Keolis Downer


Keolis Downer is a joint venture between Keolis, the largest private sector French transport group, and Downer Rail, an Australian railway engineering company, that operates bus and tram services in Australia.

History

In June 2009, the Victorian government awarded to Keolis Downer the franchise to operate the Melbourne tram network in Melbourne, Australia. for eight years commencing on 30 November 2009. In September 2017, having substantially met performance criteria, the franchise was extended until 30 November 2024. KDR continues to operate the Melbourne tram network under the Yarra Trams name, that had been used by the previous operator TransdevTSL.
On 21 July 2014, Keolis Downer commenced operating the tram operation on the Gold Coast. In March 2015, Keolis Downer purchased bus operator Australian Transit Enterprises which operated the Hornibrook Bus Lines, Link SA, Path Transit and SouthLink operations with 930 buses.
Keolis Downer trading as Newcastle Transport took over the Newcastle Buses & Ferries operation on 1 July 2017, and commenced operating the Newcastle Light Rail in February 2019.
Keolis Downer also unsuccessfully bid to operate the Melbourne Metropolitan Bus, Sydney Light Rail franchises. and Capital Metro light rail.

Operations

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