Serco NZ, Transdev Auckland and KiwiRail have been shortlisted to operate Auckland Transport’s passenger rail services.
The three companies have pre-qualified to operate services from July 1, 2016 when the current contract with Transdev, which began in 2003, comes to an end.
Auckland has invested heavily in its rail network in recent years to keep pace with the growing demand for rail travel. Since 2003, the number of services has more than tripled from 40,000 to 140,000.
Auckland Transport is continuing the rollout of its electric train fleet, with new trains due to enter service on the upgraded Western Line in June.
Spanish manufacturer CAF is supplying 57 three-car trains for the city. The first train went into service in April 2014 on the Onehunga branch line.
