The Elizabeth line has become the star of the show on London’s train tracks in recent years, with the newest kid on the block transforming the way we travel into the centre of the city. And now, those behind a world-renowned Metro system will (partly) be given the keys to operating it as TfL has awarded a contract to the Tokyo Metro Company (TMC).
It will mark the first time Tokyo Metro runs a line outside its own network, and it comes as part of the contract being given to GTS Rail Operations – a venture that joins Go-Ahead Group, Tokyo Metro Company, and Sumitomo Corporation. They will operate the Elizabeth line in London for at least seven years from May 2025, when they take over from existing operator MTR Corporation Limited.
TfL has said the deal can deliver ‘the best parts of Tokyo’, which has one of the most reliable networks in the world, with 99% of Tokyo’s metro services arriving within five minutes of their scheduled time in 2022, according to its recent sustainability report.
Tokyo Metro and Sumitomo Corporation both own 17.5% of the investment in the venture, with Go-Ahead – the UK’s biggest train operating company – acting as the lead partner with a 65% hold.
Speaking on the news, Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: “The Elizabeth line has had a transformational impact since opening in 2022 and has quickly become one of the most popular and reliable railways in the country.
“The railway has provided new, more direct journey options which has led to huge numbers of customers using our safe and accessible trains and stations. I am delighted that we have appointed GTS Rail Operations to continue to build on the success of the Elizabeth line and I look forward to working with them.”
GTS Rail Operations (Go-Ahead, Tokyo Metro, Sumitomo Corporation) will take over the running of the Elizabeth line in May 2025 for seven years, with an option to extend for a further two years.