Arriva set to double in size in Sweden following record tender win

European transport group Arriva is set to double its operations in Sweden following a major contract win.

The 12-year contract, awarded by regional transport authority Storstockholms Lokaltrafik, is the largest public transport tender in Sweden to date.

The contract, serving the Swedish capital of Stockholm, is scheduled to begin in two phases starting 20 August 2012 and 6 January 2013.

The contract covers the provision of 65 million passenger journeys a year, will involve Arriva Sverige taking on an additional 1,400 employees and operating 550 buses, 45 trains and 37 trams/light trains.

David Evans, managing director – Arriva Mainland Europe, said: “This is a major contract win for Arriva which builds on our record of delivery of high quality transport services for passengers and client bodies.

“Over the next 12 years in Stockholm we will be providing train, bus and light rail services combined into integrated multi-modal public transport networks. The integration of the different transport modes is a key component of the contract and we are pleased the quality of our proposals was recognised by the transport authority.

“Our offer brings to bear our operational expertise in Sweden and draws on the wider experience we have in delivering public transport contracts across 12 countries.

“We look forward to welcoming our new employees to Arriva, and to expanding our high quality services for bus and rail customers in Sweden, where our business will double in size as a result of this contract win.”

The tender award is subject to an appeal period which expires on 2 December.