Melbourne Railway Operating Rights MR5 Launches Re-tendering CRRC Consortium Shortlisted

On February 26, Victoria's Department of Transport and Planning announced that it will award a new long-term operation and maintenance contract (Melbourne Train Refranchising, referred to as MR5) to the Melbourne metropolitan rail network in 2027. The project has attracted a lot of international attention, and three of the world's leading bidding consortiums have been shortlisted and invited to submit a formal Request for Proposal (RFP).

The three shortlisted consortiums are:

1. Go Places Melbourne
   (consisting of Go-Ahead Australia, Acciona Rail and Tokyo Metro)

2. RATP Dev JH Downer
   (consisting of RATP Dev, John Holland, and Downer)

3. Melbourne Grow
   (consisting of MTR Corporation Australia, CRRC and DT Infrastructure)

The three finalist consortiums will each submit detailed proposals on how they will operate and maintain the Melbourne Metro franchise network.

About the MR5 Rail Franchise Project

The successful MR5 operator will be responsible for managing and operating the Melbourne Metropolitan Rail network, including:

• More than 2,000 train services per day

• Covering approximately 1,000 km of rail lines

• An ever-expanding train fleet

• 7 vehicle maintenance bases

• More than 220 stations

• Nearly 7,000 employees

Future franchisees will also need to provide a world-class customer experience that seamlessly connects with the world's largest tram network, regional railways, bus systems, and airport transportation.

Improve service and operational performance

The MR5 re-tender aims to enhance the overall operational level of Melbourne's rail network and provide a better service experience for passengers. In the next six months, the three shortlisted companies will further improve their bidding plans, focusing on the following aspects:

• Provide more cost-effective operation solutions

• Improve customer service experience

• Strengthen network operation performance

• Improve punctuality

• Improve accessibility

• Promote the application of technological innovation

Through a competitive tendering process, the Victorian Government will select the operator that will deliver the best overall benefits to all Victorian residents.

The new contract is expected to take effect in the second half of 2027.

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