Keolis A Global Leader in Public Transportation

Keolis is a global leader in public transportation, with a presence in over 20 countries. The company operates a diverse range of transportation services, including buses, trains, and trams.

Keolis has a strong focus on innovation, with a dedicated research and development team that works to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its services. This approach has led to the development of cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous buses and smart ticketing systems.

Operating over 50,000 vehicles, Keolis is one of the largest transportation companies in the world. Its extensive network of services connects millions of passengers every day, making it a vital part of the transportation infrastructure in many countries.

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Keolis was formed from several former companies, including Société des transports automobiles, Lesexel, and Société de transports routiers de voyageurs (STRV). These companies underwent a series of reorganizations, mergers, and acquisitions, resulting in two companies: VIA-GTI and Cariane.

VIA-GTI was focused on urban transport, while Cariane specialized in interurban public transport. In 1999, SNCF became the leading shareholder in VIA-GTI, which merged with Cariane in 2001 to become Keolis.

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Here's a brief timeline of Keolis' major developments in the 2000s:

Keolis was formed from several former companies, including Société des transports automobiles, which was created in 1908, and its subsidiary Société générale des transports départementaux.

These companies, along with Lesexel, an electricity company created in 1911 to support the development of tramways, and Société de transports routiers de voyageurs (STRV), a subsidiary of SCETE and later SNCF, underwent a series of reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions.

Société de transports routiers de voyageurs (STRV) was renamed Cariane in 1988 during its merger with STV.

The reorganizations and mergers resulted in two companies: VIA-GTI, focused primarily on urban transport, and Cariane, specialized in interurban public transport.

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In 1999, SNCF became the leading shareholder in VIA-GTI, which merged with Cariane in 2001 to become Keolis. This was a significant step in Keolis' growth and development.

In 2005, Keolis became co-owner of the South Eastern rail franchise in the United Kingdom through its stake in GoVia. This marked a major expansion into the UK market.

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Keolis won the franchise for Hellweg Net in Germany and later on for Maas-Rhein-Lippe Net and Teutoburger-Wald Net in Deutschland and Nederland in 2006. The company continued to expand its operations in Europe.

In 2007, Keolis acquired City-Trafic in Denmark, further solidifying its presence in the region. Keolis was now a major player in the European public transportation market.

Keolis took control of Eurobus Holding in Belgium in 2008. This acquisition gave Keolis a stronger foothold in the Belgian market.

Keolis has extensive operations in France, providing transit services in many cities including Bordeaux, Dijon, Lille, Lyon, Orléans, and Rennes.

In January 2016, the company purchased the 260 vehicle Transports Daniel Myers business, which was based in the Essonne/Val-de-Marne basin.

Keolis' main operations in France are located in Montlhéry, Etampes, and Avrainville, all situated within the Essonne/Val-de-Marne basin.

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Keolis has a strong global presence, with half of its revenue coming from outside France. This indicates a significant international footprint.

The company has a notable presence in the UK, where it owns 35% of Govia, which operates the Thameslink, Southern & Great Northern franchise. Keolis also had a 45% shareholding in First TransPennine Express until 2016.

Keolis operates the Docklands Light Railway and Manchester Metrolink concessions in partnership with Amey. This partnership demonstrates the company's ability to collaborate and expand its services.

In addition, Keolis is part of the Tramlink Nottingham consortium that operates the Nottingham Express Transit tram operation. Specifically, operations have been subcontracted to Nottingham Trams Limited, a consortium of Keolis (80%) and Wellglade (20%).

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In Germany, Keolis had a significant presence through the Eurobahn joint venture, which it founded in 1998 with Rhenus.

Keolis held a 60/40 majority stake in the joint venture, and under the Eurobahn brand, it operated multiple regional train services in North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and the Netherlands.

Eurobahn used a mix of Stadler Flirt electric multiple units and Bombardier Talent diesel cars to serve these lines.

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The joint venture was dissolved in December 2007, with Rhenus taking ownership of the bus operations and two railway contracts, while Keolis gained full ownership of Eurobahn and the remaining contracts.

Keolis announced its intention to divest Eurobahn and withdraw from the German market in October 2021.

It was sold to a subsidiary of the law firm Noerr in December 2021, marking the end of Keolis' presence in Germany.

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In India, Keolis marked its foray into the market in 2012 with the Operation and Maintenance contract of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project.

The Hyderabad Metro Rail Project is a massive undertaking valued at 220 billion.

Keolis Hyderabad, along with L&T, successfully commenced metro rail operations on 27 November 2017.

Keolis has a significant presence in the Netherlands, where its subsidiary Keolis Nederland was originally named Syntus.

In 1999, Keolis began operations in the Netherlands with a 33% shareholding in Syntus.

This stake was increased to 50% in 2007.

Keolis acquired full control of Syntus in 2012 by purchasing Nederlandse Spoorwegen's 50% share in the venture.

The Syntus brand was retired in October 2017 and replaced by the Keolis Nederland brand.

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Keolis has a significant presence in the United Kingdom, with a 35% stake in Govia, the owner of Govia Thameslink Railway.

Keolis has a long history in the UK, with operations dating back to at least 2004 when it had a 45% shareholding in First TransPennine Express.

Sir Michael Hodgkinson was appointed as Chairman of Keolis UK Ltd in December 2011 and remained in post until 2019.

During 2012, Keolis lodged a joint bid with SNCF for the aborted InterCity West Coast franchise.

In 2014, Keolis submitted a bid for the InterCity East Coast franchise in partnership with Eurostar, but the franchise was awarded to Stagecoach Group/Virgin Group.

Keolis operates the Docklands Light Railway and Manchester Metrolink concessions in partnership with Amey.

The company is also part of the Tramlink Nottingham consortium that operates the Nottingham Express Transit tram operation.

In May 2018, KeolisAmey Wales was awarded the Wales & Borders franchise, with a contract valued at £5billion covering a 15-year period.

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This contract included significant investment in the Welsh network, including £800M into new rolling stock and £194M to modernise 247 stations.

KeolisAmey Wales commenced operations under the Welsh Government-owned Transport for Wales brand on 14 October 2018.

However, the franchise was nationalised by the Welsh Government in February 2021 and transferred to a publicly owned operator of last resort, Transport for Wales Rail.

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Keolis offers a wide range of transport services to make modes of transport complementary and provide alternatives to private cars. From metros to buses and coaches, they've got you covered.

One notable example is the automated metro in Doha, which is just one of the many innovative projects Keolis is involved in. They're also pioneers in autonomous mobility, having carried over 230,000 passengers in self-driving vehicles.

Keolis operates various transport services, including:

In addition to these services, Keolis also offers digital services like trip planning, booking, and payment through their app, Plan Book Ticket. This app allows users to organize trips, reserve them, and obtain and validate tickets directly using their smartphone.

We operate a wide range of transport services to make modes of transport complementary and provide alternatives to private cars. Our services include metros, trains, trams, buses and coaches, car parks, bicycles, and transport for people with reduced mobility.

Keolis is a pioneer in autonomous mobility, having carried over 230,000 passengers in self-driving vehicles.

We offer a variety of transport services, including:

We operate transport services for passengers with reduced mobility, such as PAM75 in Paris and PAM94 in the Val-de-Marne department of France.

Keolis has teamed up with ESTACA, a French engineering school, to support engineering students and facilitate their recruitment within SNCF Group.

This partnership aims to train and hire the engineers of tomorrow, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals for the industry.

Keolis and ESTACA are working together to provide students with valuable training and experience, giving them a head start in their careers.

By partnering with ESTACA, Keolis is investing in the future of the rail industry and helping to develop the next generation of engineers.

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Keolis is a leader in innovation and technology in public transportation. They've been at the forefront of introducing driverless shuttles and automated metro systems.

Their partnership with Navya, a French manufacturer of self-driving shuttles, has enabled them to offer public transport services by self-driving shuttle in various locations, including Lyon, La Défense, and Las Vegas. This service started in September 2016.

Keolis has also implemented automated metro systems in Shanghai and Hyderabad. Their focus on innovation is evident in their ability to adapt to different cities and regions.

Keolis offers a range of digital services to make travel easier for passengers. These services include trip planning, booking, and payment. Here are a few examples of their digital services:

Keolis is a pioneer in autonomous transportation systems, particularly in public transport operations. They've made significant innovations in this area.

Their first foray into self-driving shuttles was in Lyon, France in September 2016, in partnership with Navya, a French manufacturer of self-driving shuttles. This service has since expanded to other parts of France and even worldwide.

Here are some key locations where Keolis operates self-driving shuttle services:

In addition to self-driving shuttles, Keolis has also implemented automated metro systems in Shanghai and Hyderabad.

Keolis has made significant strides in digital services, making public transportation more convenient and accessible.

In 2015, the company launched the Plan Book Ticket digital app, which allows users to plan, book, and pay for their trips directly from their smartphones. This app is a game-changer for those who value flexibility and convenience.

Keolis also introduced an open payment solution on the Dijon transport network in 2018, enabling passengers to use their bank cards as tickets. This feature has made traveling even more seamless and efficient.

The HelloGo app, launched by Keolis, allows passengers to plan, reserve, and purchase tickets for all modes of transport in Utrecht. This app is a great example of how technology can be used to simplify our daily commutes.

Here are some key digital services offered by Keolis:

Keolis has been at the forefront of electromobility and alternative energies, launching innovative bus services that reduce our carbon footprint.

In 2015, Keolis introduced a biomethane bus service in Sweden. This was a significant step towards a more sustainable transportation system.

Keolis has also launched electric bus services in several cities, including Rennes, Orléans, and Los Angeles. These cities are now reaping the benefits of cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

A natural gas bus service was launched in Montargis in 2018, further expanding Keolis's commitment to alternative energies.

Here are some key highlights of Keolis's electromobility and alternative energy initiatives:

Keolis has also launched a 100% hydrogen-powered bus line in Clermont-Ferrand, central France, marking a new milestone in the company's commitment to sustainable mobility.

Keolis is taking a proactive approach to corporate responsibility by expanding into new markets. They're doing this through public calls for tenders in France and worldwide.

This move not only opens up new opportunities for growth but also allows Keolis to bring innovative solutions to different regions. One area where they're focusing is in mobility.

Keolis generated €5.4 billion in revenues in 2017.

The company's international business accounts for 45% of its revenues.

Keolis transports 3 billion passengers annually.

In 2017, Keolis had 63,000 employees worldwide, including those in France.

Net profits for the company that year were €51 million.

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