THE Cardiff Capital Region Cabinet today (June 4) congratulated the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales for the successful completion of the procurement process which will see the joint venture KeolisAmey design, deliver and operate the South Wales Metro.

The £738million Metro project is the cornerstone of the £1.2billion City Deal, creating a transport infrastructure which will help enable the social and economic objectives of the Cardiff Capital Region.

The award follows a procurement process undertaken by Transport for Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government, and the contract includes the wider operation of the Wales and Borders rail network.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, Chair of the CCR Cabinet, and Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said:

“The Cabinet would like to congratulate the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales for conducting an extremely rigorous procurement process.

“This contract is not only the largest ever awarded by the Welsh Government, but it is also one of the most important.

“We look forward to seeing KeolisAmey’s proposed solutions for the Metro and the wider region in more detail. This is a fantastic opportunity to create and deliver a transport infrastructure which supports the economic and social aims of the City Deal.”

Councillor Huw David, Chair of the CCR Transport Authority, and Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, said:

“The Cabinet Leaders and the Regional Transport Authority look forward to working closely in partnership with Transport for Wales and KeolisAmey in ensuring the delivery of such an important programme for this region.

“We fully recognise that the proposed solution will not happen overnight, but change and improvements are needed to accommodate and connect passengers travelling around the region much better than now.”

KeolisAmey is a joint venture partnership of international public transport operator Keolis, and infrastructure asset management specialist Amey.