KeolisAmey to Take the Reins of Dublin’s Luas Tram System in September 2026

Dublin’s Luas tram service will be operated by KeolisAmey starting September 1st, 2026, following the conclusion of Transdev’s 22-year tenure. The contract, valued at approximately €1.3 billion, includes an initial seven-year term with the possibility of a six-year extension.

Transition from Transdev

Transdev, which has operated the Luas since its inception in 2004, lost the contract after a tender process. The announcement by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) follows a cooling-off period after KeolisAmey was named the preferred bidder [RTÉ]. Over the coming months, Transdev will work to facilitate a smooth transition to KeolisAmey.

KeolisAmey: A Joint Venture

KeolisAmey is a joint venture between Keolis, a French multinational transport operator, and Amey, a British infrastructure maintenance contractor. The partnership is structured as a 65:35 split in favor of Keolis [Irish Times]. The joint venture currently operates the Docklands Light Railway in London and the Metrolink light rail service in Manchester.

Future Enhancements to the Luas Service

The new contract includes provisions for service improvements, including an enhanced timetable with additional services during peak hours, scheduled for introduction in 2027 [RTÉ]. Plans are too underway for the Luas extension to Finglas, which will increase capacity and accessibility. The rollout of new trams is also planned to meet growing passenger demand [Dublin Live].

Staff Transition

TII anticipates that the vast majority of Luas staff will transfer to KeolisAmey under the Transfer of Undertakings Regulations [RTÉ].

Statements from Key Stakeholders

Anne Shaw, CEO of the National Transport Authority, emphasized the importance of the new contract in developing the Luas as a high-capacity, sustainable, and reliable public transport service. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien highlighted the Luas’s vital role in Dublin’s economy and its contribution to climate targets [Dublin Live]. Lorcan O’Connor, CEO at Transport Infrastructure Ireland, noted that Luas carried 55 million passenger journeys in 2025.