RATP Dev wins tender to operate and modernise Copenhagen's automated metro with ComfortDelGro

The contract is worth DKK 17 billion, approximately EUR 2.3 billion, and covers the operation and maintenance of one of the world's leading automated metro systems. Carrying more than 135 million passengers annually, the Copenhagen Metro operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and achieved 99.3% operational reliability in 2025.

An award driven by transition and modernisation expertise

Metroselskabet's evaluation recognised KBH Metro Partner's strong performance across the tender's quality criteria, awarding the consortium the highest quality score among shortlisted bidders. The assessment highlighted the consortium's expertise in metro transitions, brownfield modernisation, asset management, predictive maintenance and passenger experience, alongside a robust mobilisation strategy and proven capability to operate and modernise complex automated metro systems.

Metroselskabet also recognised the consortium's ability to draw on a global network of more than 2,000 engineering specialists and its strong understanding of the technical, operational and organisational complexities associated with the Metro's 3xR programme, including re-signalling, rolling stock replacement and brownfield GoA4 migration in a live operating environment.

"KBH Metro Partner demonstrated a real commitment to what matters most to us: delivering a dependable service for passengers, ensuring a smooth transition and bringing proven expertise in the operation and modernisation of automated metro systems. We look forward to working closely together to build on the success of the Copenhagen Metro in the years ahead." Søren Boysen, Director of Operation and Maintenance at Metroselskabet

Building on a world-class metro for Copenhagen's passengers

The Copenhagen Metro is recognised as one of the world's best-performing automated metro systems.

Its reliability, safety standards and round-the-clock service have made it a benchmark for urban transport internationally.

As KBH Metro Partner prepares to take over the network, the objective is not to reinvent a successful metro, but to build on a strong foundation in partnership with Metroselskabet.

The joint focus will be on preserving operational excellence while continuously improving customer experience, service quality and long-term asset performance. Passenger safety, reliability and operational stability will remain the central priorities throughout the life of the contract.

The new contract reflects Metroselskabet's ambition to continue growing ridership while supporting the next phase of development of the network, particularly the renewal and modernisation of the M1 and M2 lines. These programmes include upgrades of signaling and rolling stock.

A people-centred transition built on continuity and trust

A successful transition depends first and foremost on the people who operate and maintain the metro every day. KBH Metro Partner is committed to ensuring a seamless and respectful transfer process for employees, passengers and stakeholders. The consortium will work closely with the teams currently responsible for the network and recognises that their expertise and local knowledge will be fundamental to the future success of the metro.

Drawing on extensive experience from previous metro transitions, the consortium will focus on continuity of service, safety and operational performance from day one. This approach also builds on RATP Dev's recent experience in taking over and transforming complex metro systems, including the seamless transition of the Lyon Metro and the operational transition of Cairo Metro Line 3.

Bringing global expertise to support Copenhagen's next chapter

This contract marks the third collaboration between RATP Dev and ComfortDelGro on automated metro projects, after those of Line 15 South of the Grand Paris Express and the Jurong Region Line - the seventh line of the Singapore metro. As part of the KBH Metro Partner consortium, the two partners will pool their complementary expertise to guarantee Copenhagen passengers a network that remains reliable and attractive.

With 18 fully automated metro lines (GoA4) spanning more than 350 kilometres across six countries by 2028, RATP Group and its subsidiary RATP Dev have established a world-class track record in operating high-capacity automated metro systems in some of the world's most demanding urban environments. With extensive expertise in commissioning new networks, taking over existing operations and modernising complex transit systems, RATP Dev draws on the successful delivery of several flagship projects in the sector, including:

• In Paris, the RATP Group undertook the extension and complete renewal of the automatic control system of line 14 before the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This programme represented a world first: the migration of an existing fully automated metro line to a newgeneration driverless control system while maintaining passenger operations throughout a sixyear programme.

• In Lyon, the seamless takeover in January 2025 of a complex metro network and support for the transport authority in the modernisation of the network's two automatic metro lines and the automation of a third line.

• In Riyadh, the operation and maintenance of the two busiest lines of the world's longest automated metro network, used by more than 100 million passengers in its first year of operation in 2025.

ComfortDelGro operates Singapore's North East Line, the world's first fully automated heavy rail system, as well as the Downtown Line, recognised as one of the most reliable metro networks worldwide.

A growing global footprint and a strengthened strategy in urban rail

With the award of the Copenhagen metro, RATP Dev is taking a symbolic step in its international development by setting up in Scandinavia for the first time. This new contract brings the number of countries in which the Group operates to 17 and strengthens a portfolio of emblematic automated metro projects that now extends from Paris and Lyon to Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne via Riyadh and Doha. The award cements the Group's position as a global leader in automated metro operations.

This contract win also reflects a growth strategy focused on urban rail, which currently accounts for 35% of RATP Dev's activity and will exceed 50% of its revenue by 2030.

While the automated metro is establishing itself as the global standard for mass public transport, driven by growing needs for capacity, reliability and decarbonisation, the market is experiencing unprecedented expansion. More than 2,300 kilometres of automatic lines are already in operation worldwide and this network is expected to double by 2030. With the award of the Copenhagen metro, RATP Dev is strengthening its presence in one of the most dynamic segments of the urban rail sector and confirming its ambition to play a leading role in the transformation of mobility in major cities.