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News Category: Rail

Go-Ahead becomes founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance

18 June 2025

Go-Ahead becomes founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance

Go-Ahead is proud to become a founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance (RFA) to support people with low-level past convictions into meaningful employment. By equipping individuals with career opportunities, the partnership seeks to break the cycle of reoffending while contributing to economic growth.

RFA is a not-for-profit organisation that brings together charities that support former offenders join the rail, bus and other transport sectors, offering them a real second chance.

Go-Ahead provides a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities that help connect billions of customers and their communities through essential bus and rail services. By partnering with RFA, Go-Ahead will explore how to support people with low-level past convictions re-enter the workplace and build rewarding careers.

Go-Ahead’s involvement as a founding partner aligns with its commitment to creating social value and building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. This commitment drives its award-winning apprenticeship scheme, its Go-Ahead Women programme and its partnerships with organisations such as The King’s Trust.

Miguel Parras, Group Chief Executive, Go-Ahead Group said: “Everyone should have the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career. By partnering with RFA we hope we can offer people who deserve a second chance the sense of purpose and satisfaction that working at Go-Ahead provides.”

Chris Leech MBE, Business Development Director, RFA said: “We’re delighted that Go-Ahead has joined the RFA to support us break the cycle of reoffending. The RFA’s mission is not just to place people into jobs but to rebuild their futures. Employment is the single most powerful factor in reducing reoffending. With the right support and the right role, people can transform their lives and contribute positively to their communities. The transport industry offers fantastic careers that can help change lives and positively impacting far beyond those engaged.”

 

 

Chris Fowler appointed as Managing Director for GTS

02 April 2025

Chris Fowler appointed as Managing Director for GTS

Chris Fowler will take on the role as Managing Director for GTS, the future operator of the Elizabeth line.

GTS is a joint venture between Go Ahead, Tokyo Metro and Sumitomo Corporation and will be responsible for operating the Elizabeth line from 25 May 2025.

Chris joins GTS from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) where he is Network Operations Director and is responsible for performance on one of the UK’s largest and most complex rail operations.

GTR manages four rail companies and is responsible for almost 20% of all UK rail journeys. It operates over 1 billion journeys every year and is a leader in adopting new technology, including leading the introduction of digital signalling on the UK mainline rail network.

Chris’ experience spans both private and public sectors with his current role split with Network Rail Sussex. He started his career with Transport for London where he held roles including Train Operations Manager and Chief of Staff to Managing Director. He has also served as Customer Services Director at GTR’s Southern Railway and as interim Managing Director for Southern Railway and Gatwick Express.

Patrick Verwer, CEO, Rail, Go-Ahead said: “Chris will make an excellent partner to Transport for London with his knowledge that strong partnership between private and public sector is vital in delivering the best service for customers. His expertise and leadership will help us build on the success of the Elizabeth line as GTS takes on the responsibility for operating the most popular railway in the country, on behalf of TfL.”

Chris Fowler added: “I’m delighted to be appointed as the Managing Director of GTS. The Elizabeth line has already transformed travel in London, becoming the UK’s busiest rail line. It’s a shining example of how investment in our capital’s transport network can drive economic growth and help enrich lives every day; as a proud Londoner, I’m excited for GTS to build on this success. By working with colleagues across the network, we will unlock the line’s full potential as a world-class railway, be a fantastic place to work, and represent London’s position as a global leader in transport.”

Chris Fowler

Go-Ahead strengthens rail team in Australia and New Zealand

06 March 2025

Go-Ahead strengthens rail team in Australia and New Zealand

Go-Ahead has appointed Michael Contreras as Executive Director, Rail Operations, Australia and New Zealand.

Michael has extensive experience leading large-scale public transport operations and joins from the Department of Transport & Planning, Victoria, Australia where he was Director of Operations & Performance. He spent over twelve years at Metro Trains Melbourne in key senior roles, such  as General Manager, Network Operations

Go-Ahead has recently opened a new office in Melbourne, to explore rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand where it can apply its knowledge of operating large and complex rail operations for millions of customers.

Go-Ahead operates billions of rail journeys each year for customers in the UK and the Nordics and will soon take over operations of the iconic Elizabeth line in London, the new flagship railway network in London, and Stockholm Metro, the largest public transport contract in continental Europe.

Patrick Verwer, CEO, Rail, Go-Ahead said: “Michael joins Go-Ahead at a very exciting time and we’re delighted to welcome him to the team. We’re growing our rail operations with the Elizabeth Line and Stockholm Metro and excited to assess new opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.”

Go-Ahead opens a new office to target rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand

17 February 2025

Go-Ahead opens a new office to target rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand

Go-Ahead has opened a new office in Melbourne to explore rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand, where it can apply its knowledge of operating large and complex rail operations for millions of customers.

Go-Ahead operates billions of rail journeys each year for customers in the UK and the Nordics. It has established itself as a trusted partner, working on complex operations to deliver reliable, punctual and welcoming rail services.

In the UK, Go-Ahead is one of the largest rail operators. Through Govia Thameslink Railway, which manages four rail companies in the south of England, it is responsible for almost 20% of all UK rail journeys. It operates over 1 billion journeys every year and is a leader in adopting new technology, including leading the introduction of digital signalling on the UK mainline rail network. From May 2025, Go-Ahead will take over the operation of the iconic Elizabeth line in London, the new flagship railway network in London that has quickly become one of the most popular and fastest growing railways in the country, serving more than 700,000 customers a day.

Go-Ahead is also expanding its rail operations in the Nordics, where it already runs services in Norway. Later this year, Go-Ahead will start operating Stockholm’s Metro network, as part of the largest public transport contract in continental Europe, serving 350 million passengers annually.

Piero McCarthy has been appointed as Business Development Director for Go-Ahead Rail, Australia and New Zealand. Piero brings twenty years’ worth of industry experience and has held senior business development roles at Go-Ahead and led operations within the UK’s largest rail franchise, Govia Thameslink Railway.

Patrick Verwer, CEO, Rail, Go-Ahead said: “We have ambitious plans to build on our recent success and continue to grow our rail operations. We’re excited about exploring opportunities in Australia and New Zealand where we can apply our experience of operating busy, complex transport networks.”

The Go-Ahead Group and ComfortDelGro sign a temporary assignment agreement to operate the metro in Stockholm

23 October 2024

The Go-Ahead Group and ComfortDelGro sign a temporary assignment agreement to operate the metro in Stockholm

A joint venture between the Go-Ahead Group and ComfortDelGro has signed a temporary assignment agreement to operate and maintain the Stockholm Metro, known as the Tunnelbana.

A joint venture between the Go-Ahead Group and ComfortDelGro has signed a temporary assignment agreement to operate and maintain the Stockholm Metro, known as the Tunnelbana.

The agreement, effective from November 2025, covers all seven lines of the network, serving 350 million passengers annually across 106km of track.

Connecting Stockholm, a joint venture between The Go-Ahead Group and ComfortDelGro, has signed a temporary agreement with the Traffic Committee in Region Stockholm to operate and maintain the Stockholm Metro network, known as the Tunnelbana.

This agreement will be in place for 2 years starting in November 2025 with the possibility of an extension. Connecting Stockholm will operate and maintain metro services across three lines comprising 100 stations, six depots and 106 kilometres of track.

A locally managed joint venture, Connecting Stockholm is 55% owned by Go-Ahead and 45% owned by ComfortDelGro. The combination brings together the two companies’ complementary strengths in rail, urban transport and infrastructure.

Go-Ahead is the majority owner of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the UK’s largest and most complex rail network which accounts for one in five UK passenger journeys by train. Go-Ahead is also the biggest bus operator in London. The group already has a presence in Scandinavia through its Go-Ahead Nordic rail network in Norway, and through Flexbuss, a bus operator in southern Sweden.

Meanwhile, ComfortDelGro’s Singapore-listed subsidiary, SBS Transit, runs the Downtown and North East Lines in Singapore – one of the world’s most reliable and punctual metro rail operations. ComfortDelGro also runs Auckland One Rail in New Zealand.

Under the terms of the contract, Connecting Stockholm will be responsible for customer service, the planning and delivery of rail services, fleet and stations maintenance, as well as depot facilities.

“”
We’re delighted to be offered the opportunity to serve the people of Stockholm. Go-Ahead is a successful international business with huge experience in operating busy, complex urban transport networks. This is an exciting partnership opportunity for us, which we have been awarded for our continued commitment to put our customers at the very heart of everything we do.

Miguel Parras

Group Chief Executive at the Go-Ahead Group

“”
We are delighted to be entrusted with this responsibility and look forward to continuing to deliver the high standards that travellers expect, in close collaboration with the Stockholm Transport Administration and together with our employees.

Matt Kinane

Chief Executive Officer, Connecting Stockholm

The Go-Ahead Group sets out plans to recruit 850 bus and rail apprentices during 2024

05 February 2024

The Go-Ahead Group sets out plans to recruit 850 bus and rail apprentices during 2024

  • Recruitment target includes 500 trainee London bus drivers and 220 rail apprentices
  • Go-Ahead has trained more than 5,500 apprentices since 2019 – enough to fill the Royal Albert Hall
  • Apprentices ‘learn while they earn’ and are of all ages and backgrounds

The Go-Ahead Group, the UK’s largest employer of transport apprentices, aims to recruit 850 apprentices during 2024 to train as bus drivers, rail drivers, engineers and in a variety of administrative roles. The new recruits will all be taught functional skills, including English and maths, while working in Go-Ahead’s depots, stations, and offices.

This year’s intake will bring the total number of apprentices hired by Go-Ahead since 2019 to 6,000 – enough to fill London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Over the year ahead, Go-Ahead London, responsible for a quarter of London’s buses, plans to hire 500 apprentice bus drivers, most of whom will be on the road driving within six weeks of recruitment. Drivers are trained at Go-Ahead London’s Camberwell academy – the industry’s largest in-house apprenticeship centre.

Meanwhile, Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express trains, is set to welcome 220 apprentice engineers and train drivers. Go North West, the Manchester-based bus company known for launching Greater Manchester’s Bee Network public transport service, aims to add 100 apprentice bus drivers. Additional apprentices will be recruited across various roles at Go-Ahead’s regional bus companies and in head office positions in London and Newcastle.

Go-Ahead has recruited apprentices of all ages and backgrounds – the youngest hired by the group has been 16 (although 18 is the minimum age for bus and rail drivers). The oldest apprentice to join Go-Ahead was 65. Some join straight from school, while others are career switchers.

Carolyn Ferguson, Go-Ahead Group’s Chief People Officer, expressed pride in the new generation of apprentices. She said: “Our successful apprenticeship program and apprentices across the Go-Ahead Group play a vital role in shaping the future of the business and the broader transport industry. What they bring to the Go-Ahead Group is invaluable to our business and the transport sector, and we will continue to invest in talent and diversity.”

The Go-Ahead Group ranked 5th last year in the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer listings – a ranking developed by the Department for Education.

Apprentice case studies

Wioletta Kuszyk at Govia Thameslink Railway

Wioletta, a driver for Southern Railway, is a resilient professional with 15 years in hospitality. She navigated a career shift at 39 due to the pandemic’s challenges, leaving her role as a chef to pursue a new path in the rail industry. In her train driver apprenticeship, she consistently excels, holding an NVQ in English as a vital step towards her qualification, as a Polish native. Wioletta, who identifies as LGBTQ+, passionately encourages gender diversity in the traditionally male-dominated field. Her exceptional skills and proactive approach, demonstrated through top marks, assisting peers, and early exam requests, highlight her dedication. Beyond her work ethic, Wioletta fosters inclusivity, making her a valued member of Norwood Stations driver team. Her story exemplifies the possibilities through determination, a shining example during National Apprenticeship Week.

Zack Cross at Go East Anglia

Zack Cross is a dedicated apprentice pursuing a Bus & Coach apprenticeship at Go East Anglia (GEA). Focused on NVQ Level 3, Zack chose apprenticeship over university for its practical, hands-on learning, allowing him to earn while gaining valuable experience. Zack values real-world skills over theory, embracing the positive atmosphere and camaraderie at GEA. With ambitions to become an engineering manager, Zack envisions a future of continued development at GEA. Celebrating National Apprenticeships Week, Zack Cross exemplifies dedication, practical learning, and a promising journey in bus and coach engineering.

LeVaughn Kaisa at Go East Anglia

LeVaughn Kaisa, is enrolled on to the MechElec Bus & Coach apprenticeship at GEA, aiming for NVQ Level 3 certification. His journey showcases the profound impact of practical learning. Driven by the desire for hands-on knowledge, LeVaughn strategically chose GEA for his apprenticeship, an investment in both learning and earning. Confronting challenges head-on, LeVaughn employs a powerful strategy—asking questions and seeking guidance—transforming obstacles into stepping stones. Beyond the apprenticeship, he envisions a future climbing the management ladder. LeVaughn’s inspiring journey during National Apprenticeships Week highlights the transformative potential of merging knowledge with practical application.

Nikkita Gordon at Go-Ahead London

Nikkita Gordon is a standout London Bus Driver from Go-Ahead London’s Croydon Garage. Nikkita’s journey began with an impressive readiness, skills, and can-do attitude on electric Buses. Beyond her driving prowess, Nikkita champions gender diversity, recently representing apprentices at the House of Parliament. Nikkita aspires to be the first female Driving Examiner for Go-Ahead, aiming to inspire more women to lead in a traditionally male-dominated field. Recognised for outstanding work ethics, she sets high standards, earning praise from her mentor. Her qualifications and achievements include PCV theory test and safety courses, exemplify her commitment to excellence. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Nikkita Gordon’s story inspires the transport industry to embrace diversity and empower aspiring individuals to reach their goals.

Philip Hodgson at Go North East

In the spotlight for National Apprenticeship Week is Philip Hodgson, a third-year Mechanical Electrical Engineering Apprentice at Go North East. Philip, who sought a new challenge after a stint in the car industry, embraced the ethos of “bigger is better” and applied for an apprenticeship at GNE. Throughout his apprenticeship, he has acquired many skills that have set him up for life as an engineer. The practical learning environment provided by his apprenticeship is of immeasurable value to him, and Philip expresses his gratitude to Go North East and the supportive staff who have been instrumental in his journey.

Go-Ahead completes sale of German rail operations to ÖBB

01 February 2024

Go-Ahead completes sale of German rail operations to ÖBB

  • Sale of the business follows approval from the European Commission
  • Following completion of the transaction, Go-Ahead no longer operates any rail services in Germany
  • The Go-Ahead Group wishes OBB, the Germany management team and employees well for future operations

The Go-Ahead Group has today completed the sale of its German rail business to ÖBB, the Austrian national rail operator.

After five years of operations, including three rail contracts in Baden-Wurttemberg and two in Bavaria, the sale represents a full exit for Go-Ahead from the German rail market.

We are proud of Go-Ahead’s contribution to Germany rail over this period, having delivered positive outcomes for passengers – including a fleet of new trains, high customer service and increased capacity.

We take this opportunity to thank the management team and all of the employees for their dedication and hard work over these 5 years, and wish them and OBB well for the future.

“”
We’re pleased that the sale of our German rail business has been successfully completed. This is a positive outcome both for The Go-Ahead Group and for our German colleagues.

Go-Ahead continues to pursue opportunities for strategic expansion in both bus and rail in selected markets around the world. I’d like to pay tribute to the dedication and professionalism of all our colleagues in Germany over the last five years. We wish them well under the ownership of ÖBB

Miguel Parras, Group Chief Executive, The Go-Ahead Group

Trains on the network will continue to use the Go-Ahead name in the short term.

The Go-Ahead Group and ComfortDelGro awarded contract to operate Stockholm’s Metro network

23 January 2024

The Go-Ahead Group and ComfortDelGro awarded contract to operate Stockholm’s Metro network

  • Connecting Stockholm joint venture wins 11-year deal
  • Network carries 350 million passengers annually on 106km of track
  • Contract to begin in May 2025, building on Go-Ahead’s rail operations in the UK and Norway

Connecting Stockholm, a joint venture between The Go-Ahead Group and ComfortDelGro, has been awarded a contract by the Traffic Committee in Region Stockholm to operate and maintain the Stockholm Metro network, known as the Tunnelbana.

The contract will be for a term of 11 years starting from May 2025. Connecting Stockholm will operate and maintain metro services across three lines comprising 100 stations, six depots and 106 kilometres of track.

A locally managed joint venture, Connecting Stockholm is 55% owned by Go-Ahead and 45% owned by ComfortDelGro. The combination brings together the two companies’ complementary strengths in rail, urban transport and infrastructure.

Go-Ahead is the majority owner of Govia Thameslink Railway, the UK’s largest and most complex rail network which accounts for one in five UK passenger journeys by train. Go-Ahead is also the biggest bus operator in London. The group already has a presence in Scandinavia through its Go-Ahead Nordic rail network in Norway, and through Flexbuss, a bus operator in southern Sweden.

Meanwhile, ComfortDelGro’s Singapore-listed subsidiary, SBS Transit, runs the Downtown and North East Lines in Singapore – one of the world’s most reliable and punctual metro rail operations . ComfortDelGro also runs Auckland One Rail in New Zealand.

Under the terms of the contract, Connecting Stockholm will be responsible for customer service, the planning and delivery of rail services, fleet and stations maintenance, as well as depot facilities.

Over the course of the contract, Stockholm’s subway will undergo several major changes – including extensions of the city’s blue line to the municipality Nacka east of Stockholm, and of the green line to Arenastaden, north of Stockholm.

“”
We’re delighted to be offered the opportunity to serve the people of Stockholm. This has been a well-run tender process by the Traffic Committee in Region Stockholm and, together with ComfortDelGro, we look forward to working in partnership with them to deliver our plans over the next 11 years. 

Go-Ahead is a successful British company with huge experience in operating busy, complex urban transport networks. This is an exciting contract, and it underlines our ambition to expand in rail operation.

Patrick Verwer, Rail CEO, The Go-Ahead Group

“”
With our proven record in providing operational excellence and customer centric innovation, ComfortDelGro is delighted to be partnering Go-Ahead to operate and maintain the world-class Stockholm Metro system. Together, we can look forward to providing a safe, reliable and positive commuter experience to the people of Stockholm.

Cheng Siak Kian, ComfortDelGro Managing Director / Group CEO

“”
We are really looking forward to starting and developing our business here in Stockholm and, above all, meeting all the dedicated and competent employees who currently work in the metro and welcoming them to Connecting Stockholm in the near future .

Cheng Siak Kian, ComfortDelGro Managing Director / Group CEO

The Go-Ahead Group agrees sale of its German rail business to Austria’s ÖBB

12 October 2023

The Go-Ahead Group agrees sale of its German rail business to Austria’s ÖBB

Transaction means an exit for Go-Ahead from non-core German rail operations

Austria’s national railway company gains a foothold in regional rail passenger transport in Germany. Go-Ahead Germany employs 1,000 people, operates 144 trains and runs 20 million train kilometres annually.

The Go-Ahead Group has reached an agreement to sell its German rail business, Go-Ahead Verkehrsgesellschaft Deutschland GmbH, to Austria’s ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG.

The transaction is subject to competition approval and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Go-Ahead Germany operates three rail contracts in Baden-Wurttemberg and two in Bavaria. Operations in Baden-Wurttemberg began in June 2019, with Bavaria following in December 2021, and the company has delivered positive outcomes for passengers – including a fleet of new trains, high customer service and increased capacity.

The sale of Go-Ahead Germany will future-proof the business and create a platform for ÖBB to enter the German regional rail market and grow in the country.

Customers will benefit from the know-how of ÖBB, which operates 4,400 local trains daily in Austria, transporting 210 million passengers annually with high customer satisfaction and punctuality ratings.

“”
We are proud of the rail services we have delivered to passengers in Germany over the last four years in spite of very challenging conditions. We have introduced a fleet of new trains, we have brought in a very motivated team and established one of the biggest driver training schools in Germany.

I am pleased that we are now able to sell the business in good shape to a well respected rail operator with ambitious plans for the German network.

Go-Ahead remains fully committed to rail in the UK, and to expansion in metropolitan rail elsewhere in the world. I would like to thank all our colleagues in Germany and to offer them our very best wishes for the future.

Christian Schreyer

Group Chief Executive, The Go-Ahead Group

“”
We welcome this investment by ÖBB, which has a very good reputation in Germany. Our business in Germany will be future-proofed and positioned for growth. With ÖBB as a strong partner, this deal offers excellent prospects for our passengers, clients and employees.

Fabian Amini

Managing Director, Go-Ahead Germany

Go-Ahead Norway appoints new Managing Director with extensive railway experience

17 April 2023

Go-Ahead Norway appoints new Managing Director with extensive railway experience

The Go-Ahead Group has appointed Emil Eike as Managing Director of the group’s Norwegian rail business, which operates long-distance and commuter rail routes in the south of the country.

Emil has more than 30 years of experience as a manager from the Armed Forces, the public transport and mobility industry. His track record includes 12 years at NSB, the Norwegian state-owned railway company.

He has also worked as a consultant advising transport companies on strategy, and he is Chairman of Bybanen, the light rail network in Bergen.

“”
Emil combines extensive experience from the railway sector with a focus on innovation and clear leadership. We are in an exciting period where we are working actively to further develop our passenger rail services. In Emil, we have found a skilled leader who can take that development further.

Magnus Hedin

CEO of Go-Ahead Nordic

Go-Ahead employs 300 people in Norway and began operations in December 2019. The company’s operating contract with the Norwegian Rail Directorate runs to December 2027, with the option of a two-year extension to 2029.

 

“”
Trains are a key part of the overall mobility system in Norway and an important contributor to a sustainable society. Together with the skilled and dedicated employees at Go-Ahead, I am really looking forward to being part of this important social mission,” says Emil. “Go-Ahead was also the winner of the first traffic package in Norway, and I have a great appreciation of courageous and innovative organisations.

Emil Eike

Emil will take on the role on May 1st. Magnus Hedin has been filling the position of Managing Director on an interim basis, remains Chair of the Board of Go-Ahead Norwegian rail company.