Rail Operations
We deliver high-performing railways. Our award-winning train operations include London’s transformative Elizabeth line.
MTR is widely recognised as one of the best-performing rail operators in the world for safety, reliability, customer service and cost efficiency.
Drawing on the extensive skills, expertise and technology developed within MTR, we deliver high performing railways our customers love. Our capabilities extend beyond being a pure railway operator, offering the ability to design, build, finance and operate comprehensive railway systems.
MTR in the UK
MTR Elizabeth line
MTR Elizabeth line’s (MTREL) operations cover all aspects of train and passenger service on behalf of Transport for London (TfL). Services previously running as TfL Rail were rebranded as the Elizabeth line in May 2022 when the line’s central section opened.
South Western Railway
MTR has operated South Western Railway, one of the largest UK franchises, as a joint venture with First Group since August 2017, (MTR is a 30% shareholder).
Operating over 1,500 services each weekday, SWR employs more than 5,000 people and provides commuter inter-urban, regional and long-distance services to customers in South West London, the southern counties of England and the Isle of Wight.
As well as commuters and business travellers, SWR transports leisure travellers across the region, to many tourist and heritage sites, and the numerous major sporting and social events that take place along the route every year.
At the start of the pandemic, the franchise transitioned into an Emergency Measures Agreement, which became an Emergency Recovery Measures Agreement (ERMA) in September 2020. This was replaced with a National Rail Contract (NRC) with the Department for Transport (DfT), commencing May 2021, when the current ERMA came to an end. The NRC has a two-year term to May 2023, with the option of a two-year extension.
At the start of the pandemic, the franchise transitioned into an Emergency Measures Agreement, which became an Emergency Recovery Measures Agreement (ERMA) in September 2020. This was replaced with a National Rail Contract (NRC) with the Department for Transport (DfT), commencing May 2021, when the current ERMA came to an end. The NRC has a two-year term to May 2023, with the option of a two-year extension.
London Overground
MTR was a joint venture partner in London Overground Rail Operations Ltd (LOROL), holding the concession from November 2007 until November 2016, acting as shadow operator prior to new services being introduced on the East and South London Lines.
During our tenure London Overground, we transformed the railway into one of the most punctual and highly-regarded railway operations in the UK alongside the completion of extensive expansion works.
London Overground played a significant role in the successful delivery of the London 2012 Olympics, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of customers, while managing crowd control and delivering to maximum capacity. In 2015 the business was reaccredited by Investors in People (IiP) and was also awarded 5-star EFQM accreditation for excellence.
London Overground played a significant role in the successful delivery of the London 2012 Olympics, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of customers, while managing crowd control and delivering to maximum capacity. In 2015 the business was reaccredited by Investors in People (IiP) and was also awarded 5-star EFQM accreditation for excellence.
As a highly-progressive and innovative partner, our core strengths include robust timetabling to deliver high-performing railways, performance modelling, effective stakeholder engagement, constructive relationships with infrastructure providers, investment in service recovery technology, driver training and management, engineering and effective customer experience strategies to create railways our customers love.
Our Solutions
With a consistent track record of delivering through collaborative partnerships and joint ventures, we offer ground-breaking, technology-led approaches.
Rail Operations
We deliver high performing railways. Our award-winning train operations include London’s transformative Elizabeth line.
Property
Our Rail plus Property model offers transformative rail regeneration based on sustainable design and construction principles without taxpayer funding.
Infrastructure
Our capabilities range from small-scale infrastructure improvements through to delivering new track infrastructure and extensive station works.
Academy
Drawing on 20+ years of railway training experience – our driver training programme is focused on experiential learning and introduces Virtual Reality.
MTR trenolab
We combine operational expertise with powerful, agile and efficient railway simulation tools to model predictable performance outcomes.
Learn More About Rail Operations
To learn more about MTR’s rail operations expertise, please complete the form and we’ll connect you with the relevant senior leader.
General Enquiries
For general enquiries, please get in touch with us on our contact page.