We advised TfL on the procurement of operators for the DLR, the Elizabeth Line, and the London Overground. Our work helped to ensure that a value-for-money solution was delivered for passengers and taxpayers.
Fast facts
TfL is responsible for 1.75 billion rail passenger journeys per annum.
It employs around 30,000 people across London.
TfL’s budget exceeds £10 billion per annum.
TfL needed to secure new operators for three of its networks in the context of significant funding constraints, with passenger revenue materially impacted by COVID-19. Value had to be driven throughout the procurement process, from developing a commercial model that would attract competitive bids all the way through to supporting negotiations with the preferred bidder.
We used our knowledge of rail franchising through experience with other clients, including the Department for Transport, Transport for Wales, and Transport Scotland, to ensure that lessons learned were embedded in our approach. Our deep knowledge of TfL enabled us to tailor advice to their specific needs, and we worked closely with their legal and technical advisors to align all elements of the project.
The procurement attracted interest from national and international rail operators, including new entrants to the UK rail market. This generated significant competition, a key aim of TfL, that drove a value-for-money solution across all three operations.