New contract to ensure reliable operations and continued development of the Copenhagen Metro
The contract runs until 2039, with an option to extend it for a further three years.
The Metro is known for its high reliability and efficiency, and that comes with a responsibility. The new contract gives us a strong foundation for further enhancing this high standard in close collaboration with our new operator, KBH Metro Partner, ensuring that our passengers continue to experience a world-class metro,
International expertise to support the Metro’s long-term development
The new operator, KBH Metro Partner, is a joint venture between France’s RATP Dev and Singapore’s ComfortDelGro. Together, the companies have experience operating and maintaining metro systems in Singapore, Paris, Riyadh, Lyon and Doha.
The companies also have experience in carrying out technical upgrades while maintaining day-to-day operations. One example is RATP’s modernisation of Metro Line 14 in Paris, where a driverless train control system was introduced on the existing fully automated line while passengers could continue to use the metro throughout most of the modernisation period.
This experience will be important during the upcoming contract period, as Metroselskabet undertakes a comprehensive modernisation of the Metro’s two oldest lines, M1 and M2, in the years leading up to 2035. The modernisation involves replacing the trainsets and upgrading the signalling system. This work must be carried out on a system that operates 24/7 and planned to minimise disruption to passengers.
The modernisation is essential to ensuring that Metroselskabet can continue to provide efficient and reliable operations for many years to come.
We are honoured that KBH Metro Partner has been entrusted with the operation and maintenance of the Copenhagen Metro. As a leading public transport operator, ComfortDelGro brings deep experience in delivering safe, reliable and customer-focused rail services. Together with RATP Dev, we look forward to combining our expertise in automated metro systems as well as network modernisation and renewal to support the continued success of the Copenhagen Metro,
The Copenhagen Metro has earned a global reputation for reliability, operational performance and passenger experience. As the network enters a new phase of development, our immediate priority will be to work with Metroselskabet and ComfortDelGro to ensure a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards that passengers rely on every day. Looking ahead, we will draw on RATP Dev's extensive experience in modernising complex metro systems, including major transformation programmes delivered while maintaining passenger services, to support Metroselskabet in the continued development of the network.
Transition focused on continuity and local expertise
An extensive mobilisation and transition process will take place ahead of the new operator taking over operations in September 2027. This will include establishing the new operator’s organisation and working procedures. Mobilisation will be carried out in close collaboration between Metroselskabet, KBH Metro Partner and the current operator, Metro Service. As the longstanding operator, Metro Service and its employees have developed a unique understanding of the Metro’s technical systems and passengers’ needs. In accordance with the Danish Transfer of Undertakings Act, retaining these skilled employees and their valuable expertise is therefore a key objective, as their knowledge is essential to a successful transition and the future development of the system. The ambition is to make the transition so seamless that, throughout the process, passengers continue to experience the Metro as the familiar, reliable and efficient means of transport they depend on every day.
Tender attracts strong international interest
The selection of KBH Metro Partner follows an extensive and competitive tender process that attracted significant international interest. Seven bidders applied for prequalification, of which three companies were selected to submit bids. Following a thorough process involving initial and revised bids, followed by negotiations, KBH Metro Partner was selected as the new operator based on an overall assessment of price and quality.
Facts about
Metro operations
- The Copenhagen Metro has four lines: M1 (opened in 2002), M2 (2002), M3 (2019) and M4 (2020/2024), with a total of 44 stations and 43 kilometres of track.
- Two new stations on the M4 extension to Outer Nordhavn will open in 2032.
- Metro services run as frequently as every 90 seconds during peak hours. In 2025, average service reliability was 99.3%.
- In 2025, the Metro carried 135 million passengers — the highest annual passenger total in its
history.
The tender
- The new operator, KBH Metro Partner ApS, is a joint venture between France’s RATP Dev and Singapore’s ComfortDelGro.
- The contract runs for 12 years until 2039, with an option to extend it for a further three years.
- The contract is valued at DKK 17 billion.
- Metroselskabet, which is owned by the Danish state, the City of Copenhagen and the City of Frederiksberg, has overall responsibility for Metro operations but is legally required to tender operations to a private operator.
- Seven bidders applied for prequalification, and three companies were selected to submit bids.
- KBH Metro Partner was selected as the winner based on an overall evaluation of price and quality.
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 city.