UGL Rail Services and ComfortDelGro have bagged an operations and maintenance (O&M) contract worth NZD 1.2 billion ($840 million) pertaining to the Auckland passenger rail network in New Zealand.

The Auckland Rail Franchise (ARF) contract won by the parties has an initial term of eight years, and will begin from mid-January 2022.

UGL Rail Services and ComfortDelGro had created a 50:50 joint venture called Auckland Transport to Auckland One Rail (AOR) for executing the contract.

UGL Rail Services is a division of Australian engineering company UGL, which is owned CIMIC Group. On the other hand, ComfortDelGro is a Singapore-based land transport company.

Yang Ban Seng — ComfortDelGro Managing Director said: “This marks a very significant milestone in our history. It not only represents our first rail operation outside of Singapore but also our maiden entry into New Zealand.

“We are excited to leverage our experience of operating and maintaining Singapore’s world-class MRT system and are looking forward to delivering connected, safe and reliable customer journeys for Auckland’s travelling public.”

The Auckland Rail network has four lines, representing 185km of track, 42 stations and 72 three-car electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, as well as eight diesel multiple unit trains. Prior to the onset of Covid-19, the Auckland Rail network was used by 21 million people annually.

ComfortDelGro and UGL will handle train operations, which includes providing drivers and other train staff, creation of timetables, and station operations and maintenance. The contract also includes security, revenue protection, customer facing activities and management of the Auckland Network Access Agreement and KiwiRail interface.

Additionally, the joint venture will provide rolling stock maintenance from 2025 to the Auckland passenger rail network.

Doug Moss — UGL Managing Director said: “UGL is Australasia’s largest rail services operator and maintainer. We operate and maintain rail networks in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT, and maintain rolling stock across Australia.

“We look forward to leveraging our expertise for the benefit of the users of the Auckland rail network, and developing a strong relationship with our client, Auckland Transport.”

  Auckland, CIMIC Group, ComfortDelGro, Doug Moss, New Zealand, UGL, UGL Rail Services, Yang Ban Seng