After a two year process the contract for the Wales and Borders rail service has been awarded.

The joint venture partnership - between international public transport operator Keolis and infrastructure asset management specialist Amey - KeolisAmey was awarded the contract by the Welsh Government last Wednesday.

The contract will begin on June 4, when KeolisAmey will take over the contract that has been operated by Arriva for the past 15 years.

Alistair Gordon, Chief Executive of Keolis UK, said: “This will be a transformative new rail service for Wales and its borders which will see Keolis once more combine its worldwide expertise in passenger operations with Amey’s engineering excellence.

“We look forward to the successful completion of the procurement process - this exciting contract will deliver for all of Wales.

The procurement process was rigorous, resulting in transformative solutions for the benefit of all in Wales, and indeed, future generations.

“While the proposed changes won’t happen overnight, the railway will be unrecognisable in five years thanks to the vision of the Welsh Government.”

Andy Milner, Amey’s Chief Executive, added: “Building on our successful partnership with Keolis, which already sees us deliver two high performing services – the Greater Manchester Metrolink and London’s DLR – we are honoured to be asked to operate the Wales and Borders service.

“This is a great opportunity for us to use our joint capabilities to deliver a first-rate service for Wales."

Upon successful completion of a 10-day standstill period, the contract will run from June 4, 2018, to October 14, 2033, with rail services transferring on October 14, 2018.

Arriva Trains Wales managing director, Tom Joyner, said it had been a privilege to service the area for the past 15 years.

Mr Joyner added: "As Arriva Trains Wales, it has been a privilege to operate rail services in Wales and the Borders over the past 15 years and we are proud of the many achievements made in that time.

"During that period, we have helped passenger numbers grow from 18 million to 33.5 million last year, and have grown the number of services we operate from around 620 services per day, up to more than 1,000 per day.

"We will work to ensure as smooth a transition as possible and to support the successful delivery of the new passenger service agreement.

“Our customers can look forward to some important changes here in Wales and the borders, which will have a positive impact on the people and communities of Wales and the borders.”