RATP Dev–ComfortDelGro JV signs Operations & Maintenance Contract for Copenhagen Metro

Copenhagen, Denmark (Rail & Metro Today): Metroselskabet and KBH Metro Partner ApS have signed a contract for the operation and maintenance of Copenhagen Metro lines M1, M2, M3 and M4, appointing a joint venture between France’s RATP Dev and Singapore’s ComfortDelGro to manage the network from September 2027. The contract will run until 2039, with an option for a further three-year extension.

The agreement marks an important step in the long-term development of Copenhagen’s automated metro network, which is recognised for its reliability, operational efficiency and passenger experience. The new operator will be responsible for maintaining service quality while supporting the modernisation of the system, particularly the ageing M1 and M2 lines.

The contract follows an extensive international tender process that attracted significant interest from transport operators. Seven bidders applied for prequalification, of which three were selected to submit bids. Following the evaluation of initial and revised offers, negotiations and an overall assessment of price and quality, KBH Metro Partner was selected for the contract.

International Expertise to Support Metro Modernisation

KBH Metro Partner brings together two international public transport operators with experience in operating and maintaining metro systems across several major cities. RATP Dev operates transport networks in markets including Paris, Lyon and Riyadh, while ComfortDelGro has extensive public transport operations in Singapore and other international markets. Their combined expertise is expected to support Copenhagen Metro’s operational requirements and future development.

A key consideration during the new contract period will be the comprehensive modernisation of the M1 and M2 lines, planned in the years leading up to 2035. The programme involves replacing trainsets and upgrading the signalling system to maintain the network’s performance and reliability over the long term.

Carrying out these upgrades presents a significant operational challenge because the Copenhagen Metro runs around the clock. The work must therefore be carefully planned and coordinated to minimise disruption to passengers while maintaining safe and efficient services.

RATP Dev brings experience in modernising existing metro infrastructure while keeping services operational. One example is the modernisation of Paris Metro Line 14, where a driverless train control system was introduced on an already fully automated line, with passenger services continuing through most of the modernisation period. Such experience could prove valuable as Copenhagen prepares for its next phase of network renewal.

Operators Commit to Maintaining High Service Standards

Søren Boysen, Director of Operations and Maintenance at Metroselskabet, said the agreement would provide a strong foundation for maintaining and further improving the metro’s established performance standards.

“The Metro is known for its high reliability and efficiency, and that comes with a responsibility. The new contract gives us a strong foundation for further enhancing this high standard in close collaboration with our new operator, KBH Metro Partner, ensuring that our passengers continue to experience a world-class metro,” Boysen said.

Cheng Siak Kian, Managing Director and Group CEO of ComfortDelGro, said the company was honoured to have been entrusted with the operation and maintenance of the Copenhagen Metro. He highlighted ComfortDelGro’s experience in delivering safe, reliable and customer-focused rail services and its intention to work with RATP Dev to combine expertise in automated metro operations, network modernisation and asset renewal.

Hiba Farès, CEO of RATP Dev, said the immediate priority would be to work with Metroselskabet and ComfortDelGro to ensure a smooth transition while preserving the high standards expected by passengers. She also highlighted RATP Dev’s experience in delivering major metro transformation programmes while maintaining passenger services.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, said:

“Copenhagen Metro’s new operating contract highlights the growing importance of combining operational excellence with long-term infrastructure modernisation. As metro networks expand and existing systems approach major renewal milestones, operators must focus not only on daily service reliability but also on asset management, technology upgrades and passenger convenience. International partnerships that bring together operational expertise and modernisation capabilities can help urban rail systems remain efficient, resilient and future-ready.”

Transition Planned for September 2027

An extensive mobilisation process will take place before KBH Metro Partner assumes operational responsibility in September 2027. The transition will involve establishing the new operator’s organisation, procedures and working arrangements in coordination with Metroselskabet and the incumbent operator, Metro Service.

Retaining experienced employees is a central element of the transition strategy. Under Denmark’s Transfer of Undertakings Act, the transfer of relevant employees and their employment rights will be addressed as part of the changeover. Metro Service employees possess detailed knowledge of the network’s technical systems, operating procedures and passenger requirements, making their expertise important to maintaining continuity.

The parties aim to ensure that passengers experience minimal disruption during the transition. Maintaining the metro’s established reliability and efficiency will remain a priority as responsibilities move to the new operator.

A Long-Term Commitment to Copenhagen’s Automated Metro

The contract comes at a significant stage in the Copenhagen Metro’s development, as the network prepares for major upgrades while continuing to serve daily passenger demand. Replacing trainsets and modernising signalling on the M1 and M2 lines will require close coordination between the infrastructure owner, operator, suppliers and technical teams.

The partnership between RATP Dev and ComfortDelGro is expected to combine international operating experience with a long-term approach to maintenance and renewal. The contract also underlines the importance of selecting operators capable of managing both the immediate demands of public transport and the complex technical requirements of modern automated metro systems.

With the new agreement extending to 2039 and the possibility of a further three-year extension, Metroselskabet is establishing a long-term framework for operations and maintenance. The success of the arrangement will depend on maintaining service quality, managing the transition effectively and delivering the planned modernisation programme with minimal impact on passengers.

For Copenhagen, the objective remains clear: to preserve a reliable, efficient and passenger-focused metro while preparing the network for the demands of the coming decades.