In October 2016, Abellio, Arriva, a Keolis/Amey joint venture and MTR Corporation were shortlisted to bid for the next franchise,[11][12] which would be operated under the Transport for Wales brand.[13][page needed] In October 2017, Arriva withdrew from the bidding process.[14][15] Abellio withdrew in February 2018 following the collapse of its partner Carillion in January.[16] In May 2018, it was awarded to KeolisAmey Wales for a 15-year period from 14 October 2018 in a contract worth £5billion.[17] The contract aimed to deliver much-needed investment in the Welsh network, including:[18]
£800M investment in trains
£194M to modernise 247 stations and build five brand new Metro stations
285 extra services Monday to Friday
294 extra Sunday services
In March 2020, an initial short-term agreement worth £40million was confirmed, to assist the rail network during the March lockdown, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 31 May 2020, an Emergency Measures Agreement was approved to assist KeolisAmey Wales; it detailed that the Welsh Government has announced that it will spend up to £65million over the next six months to ensure trains continue to operate on the franchise.[19]
All staff, rolling stock and services operated by KeolisAmey Wales were taken over by the nationalised operator on 7 February 2021.[22]
As part of the original agreement, Keolis and Amey continue to be responsible for infrastructure on the Core Valley Lines, where the South Wales Metro upgrade is set to take place. In addition, Keolis and Amey will continue to assist and work with the nationalised operator to provide improvements to services on the franchise, such as rolling stock and ticketing services.[23][24]