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The operator behind Southern Rail will take over the running of the Metrolink network - and create more than 300 jobs.

Keolis joined forces with Amey to launch a successful bid to run the region’s tram system for the next decade - starting in July.

It means RATP Dev UK Ltd will cease to run Manchester’s trams after nearly six years at the helm.

However it has been confirmed that no existing staff will lose their jobs - with all workers moving over to the new operator who, in fact, say they will now be hiring.

National Express and Transdev were also shortlisted bidders to take on Greater Manchester’s tram network.

But the winning bid from KeolisAmey will include plans to create more than 300 driver jobs, apprenticeships and traineeships.

(Image: Mark Waugh)

Current staff will transfer to KeolisAmey Metrolink with protection of their terms and conditions.

The new operator has promised to focus on improving reliability, customer service and boosted security presence on evenings and weekends.

There will also be ‘Tweet the manager’ sessions to get feedback - and at least 40pc of supplier contracts must come from the Greater Manchester region.

In partnership with the Go-Ahead Group, Keolis already runs 35 per cent of Govia Thameslink Railway.

Its passengers have faced days of disruption on the Southern Rail network amid a long-running strike over the role of conductors and the operation of driver-only trains.

But bosses at Transport for Greater Manchester say KeolisAmey has the experience and skills to operate Metrolink, create jobs and help boost the local economy.

Now ratified by Greater Manchester’s Combined Authority leaders, the new contract will run for up to 10 years.

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KeolisAmey will inherit a fleet of 120 trams with free Wi-Fi. It will also oversee the Trafford Park Line extension – now under construction and expected to be operational by 2020/21.

Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester Mayor, said: “Greater Manchester’s transport Leaders have judged KeolisAmey on their plans for Metrolink, which are focused on improving reliability, customer service, and creating more customer-facing roles, such as drivers and Customer Service Representatives.

“They have also committed to creating hundreds of new jobs, including graduate roles, apprenticeships and traineeships, and to source almost half of their supplier contracts locally.

“It is an ambitious approach, with a big focus on the customer and the community.”

Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM Committee, described the changing of the guard as a ‘pivotal appointment’, adding: “What we have here is a long-term, affordable commitment to providing a world-class service.”

He paid tribute to the operational staff for their management and delivery of the network expansion.

Alistair Gordon, speaking on behalf of KeolisAmey as chief executive of Keolis UK, said Metrolink’s ongoing success would be a major factor in meeting the city regions’ ambitions.

He added: “KeolisAmey represents a proven combination of operational and technical excellence, which has succeeded in raising the already very high standards of punctuality and customer service on the DLR.

“We’re confident that we can bring the same success to Metrolink, delivering the highest levels of performance and customer satisfaction for the benefit of Greater Manchester’s travelling public.”

Together, the partnership operates London’s Docklands Light Railway (DLR) - with 99pc of trains departing on schedule.

Keolis’ two southern joint ventures Southern Rail and Southeastern are, according to the independent watchdog Transport Focus, Britain’s two most disliked transport companies with only 69pc satisfaction.

However, Keolis is also the operator of Nottingham’s NET tram network, with the highest passenger satisfaction rating of all light rail networks in the country at 98pc. It also runs the world’s largest tramway, Yarra Trams in Melbourne, Australia.

Four companies were shortlisted

The M.E.N told in 2015 that four companies had been shortlisted for a new seven-year contract to start next July.

These were RATP Dev as well as KeolisAmey, National Express and Transdev.

In November, it was revealed that current operator RATP were not a ‘preferred bidder’.

But it may not be the last Manchester sees of RATP Dev UK, as the operator has its sights set on our buses.

Tim Jackson, CEO of the UK branch, has laid bare his hopes to one day run ‘around a quarter’ of our 2,000-strong bus network.

But the goal is dependent on the Bus Services Bill.

Yet to appear before the House of Commons, it would give the future mayor power to franchise bus services - as opposed to the current system in which 80 per cent of services are run solely by operators.