KBH Metro Partner is the new operator of the Metro in Copenhagen
Metroselskabet has now chosen the coming operator of the The Copenhagen Metro after a tender with significant international interest. Seven tenderers applied for prequalification, and three were prequalified.
After a tender process with initial bids, submission of revised bids and negotiations, Metroselskabet has chosen KBH Metro Partner as the coming operator for the Metro lines M1-M4 based on an overall assessment of price and quality.
It is a big, complex, and attractive operational task that has gained significant international interest. We have completed a thorough and competitive tender process with a strong field of tenderers, and we are now looking forward to cooperating with KBH Metro Partner. Our most important task is to ensure a safe, stable, attractive and effective operation for the passengers every single day
Facts about the metro in operation
- The Copenhagen Metro has four lines: M1 (opened in 2002), M2 (2002), M3 (2019) and M4 (2020/2024). The metro network consists of a total of 44 stations and 43 kilometers of track.
- In 2032, two new stations on the M4 line will open in Outer Nordhavn.
- During peak hours, trains run as frequently as every 1.5 minutes. In 2025, the average operational reliability was 99.3%
- In 2025, 135 million passengers travelled on the Metro—the highest annual passenger number in the Metros history.
A contract with focus on stabile operation and long-term renewal
The contract provides a strong foundation for the future cooperation between Metroselskabet and the operator. It includes, among other things, optimized workflows and a clear division of responsibilities, including bringing the sale of advertising in the Metro in-house to Metroselskabet going forward.
Furthermore, there has been an emphasis on the future operator having documented experiences with operation, maintenance, and modernization of automatic metro systems. This applies to, among other things, renewals of technical installations and replacement of signaling systems.
The Metro has a very high operational stability at more than 99 pct. today. We are committed to maintaining this standard and building upon it. The new contract ensures both robust daily operations and a solid foundation for us, together with the new operator, to carry out extensive renewal projects on the M1 and M2 lines in the coming years. This is crucial for ensuring that a growing number of passengers continue to experience the Metro as a fast and reliable mode of transport, “says Søren Boysen.
Facts about the procurement
- The new operator is KBH Metro Partner ApS, with the supporting entities RATP Development SA, Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens, SBS Transit Rail Pte. Ltd, ComfortDelGro Irish Citylink Limited and Westbus Coach Services Limited.
- Metroselskabet, which is owned by the Danish State, the City of Copenhagen and the City of Frederiksberg, has overall responsibility for Metro operations. However, under Danish law, it is required to put the operation out to tender to a private operator.
- Metroselskabet expects to sign the new contract in September 2026, following the expiry of the statutory standstill period.
- The new contract will run for 12 years, until 2039, with an option to extend it by a further three years.
- The new contract is valued at DKK 17 billion.
- Metroselskabet’s current agreement with the operating contractor for the operation and maintenance of Copenhagen’s four Metro lines, M1–M4, expires on 28 September 2027. Metroselskabet has therefore tendered a new contract.
Thorough transition leading up to 2027
Metroselskabet, Metro Service, and KBH Metro Partner are now beginning a transition and mobilization phase leading up to operations starting in September 2027.
During this period, the new operator will, among other things, establish its organization and working procedures to ensure a well-planned, risk-managed transition without affecting day-to-day Metro operations. In close collaboration with the present operator and the new operator, Metroselskabet will focus on ensuring operational continuity throughout the transition period and on complying with the legislation governing transfers of undertakings.
“I would like to thank Metro Service for their efforts and the cooperation through many years where they have contributed to establishing and operating the Metro that the passengers know today. The employees’ competences and experience are essential to ensuring the high quality of Metro operations. We therefore want to retain as many of Metro Service’s skilled employees as possible with the new operator, for the benefit of both the Metro and its passengers,” concludes Søren Boysen.
For passengers, the aim is that the change in operator is carried out as smoothly as possible so that the Metro continues to be experienced as the familiar, reliable and efficient part of the capital’s public transport system.
About Metroselskabet
Metroselskabet is responsible for the development, construction and operation of the Copenhagen Metro. The company works to create efficient, integrated, and sustainable mobility solutions that support an attractive and growing capital region.