Arriva Group’s train operating company, Arriva Rail London (ARL) was granted a two-year extension contract as the delivery partner for the London Overground concession, which is operated with Transport for London.
Arriva has operated the London Overground network since November 2016 and following the contract extension, is expected to do so up to May 2026.
The new contract comes into effect in May 2024 and will see ARL building on its track record of maintaining some of the highest levels of performance in the country as TfL’s delivery partner, while increasing its passenger numbers.
The announcement brings continuity for 430,000 passengers who use ARL’s trains every day and builds on Arriva’s record of delivering improvements for London Overground customers, working in partnership with TfL to provide more frequent services, new trains and improved interchanges.
The contract extension is also good news for ARL’s 1,500 employees who serve Londoners and see themselves as part of the community.
ARL successfully supported TfL during Covid and London Overground has now recovered to 88% of pre-pandemic passenger journeys. During the term of ARL’s contract, the operator has also implemented a number of service improvements, such as the 4.5 km extension of the Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside route and the introduction of four-car trains, which doubled the line’s capacity.
“There has been a great deal of change, not only at London Overground but in the rail industry, since the pandemic but ARL, supported by TfL, has risen to the challenge as we adapt to changing customer travelling habits. We continue to welcome growing numbers of customers back and with the help of ARL will build on that success,” Rory O’Neill, TfL’s General Manager for London Overground, said.
London Overground was one of the first networks to restore services to 100% following Covid-19. It has also received the lowest level of customer complaints of any train operating company over the past two years.
Under London Overground concession contract, TfL takes revenue risk, while Arriva Rail London receives a fixed payment with adjustments made according to performance.
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