The Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (Valley Metro) Board of Directors has awarded a three-year contract to Keolis North America (Keolis) to manage operations of the agency's bus network in Metro Phoenix’s East Valley. The contract includes four-year and three-year options that could bring the total contract term to 10 years. Keolis will assume operations when the base contract begins on January 1, 2024.
The Valley Metro East Valley service area includes the cities of Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Fountain Hills, Mesa and Scottsdale. There, Keolis’ transit personnel will be responsible for delivering operations and maintenance management for more than 30 fixed-route, express and circulator bus routes.
“As we begin this new chapter with Keolis, we are excited about this partnership and the positive direction in providing bus service to our riders and East Valley communities,” said Jessica Mefford-Miller, Valley Metro CEO. “Keolis has a proven track record in providing successful transit services across the U.S. and around the world. We look forward to bringing their expertise to the Valley to support our mission of connecting communities and enhancing lives.”
“We are so pleased to be Valley Metro’s future operating partner for the East Valley contract. Valley Metro is a well-led and respected organization with which we’ve been eager to partner as we continue to grow Keolis’ presence in the North American transit market,” said CEO of Keolis North America David Scorey. “This contract furthers the combined bus services model and serves to continuously improve the safety and reliability of the East Valley transit operations while ensuring value to taxpayers. On behalf of the Keolis team, we look forward to partnering with Valley Metro to continuously enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors with efficient, effective and sustainable transit.”
As part of its proposal, Keolis will introduce a key management team with deep experience leading, improving and managing large-scale transit operations. Other areas of focus for Keolis include resolving driver and technician shortages, reducing accidents, improving the availability of equipment to enhance service reliability, improving passenger satisfaction, and continually enhancing training programs for front-line employees.
“Our mobilization plan ensures seamless continuity of service for our passengers while also addressing Valley Metro’s needs,” said COO of Keolis North America Steve Shaw. “Improving safety performance, employee retention and equipment availability are key to a consistently reliable system where ridership and passenger satisfaction both grow. We look forward to working with Valley Metro to do just that.”
