Transport UK and Transdev Announce Joint Venture to Bid for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Passenger Rail Contract

Boston, Massachusetts / London, United Kingdom – 19 December, 2025

Transport UK (TUK) and Transdev North America, Inc., today announced the formation of a joint venture to bid for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) forthcoming tender to develop and operate passenger rail services across Boston and the wider metropolitan region.

The partnership combines TUK’s record of operational excellence with Transdev’s international expertise in multimodal transport delivery, establishing a powerful alliance focused on delivering a world-class, customer-centric, and sustainable railway for Massachusetts.

Transport UK has earned a national reputation in the UK for its high-performing rail operations, including Greater Anglia, Merseyrail and West Midlands Trains, consistently achieving industry-leading punctuality and passenger satisfaction. Its proven “delivery-first” model has transformed performance across multiple networks and left a legacy of excellence that endures. This is best illustrated by the combined £3.5 billion of new rolling stock delivered by Transport UK across its operating companies. During its stewardship of Greater Anglia, Transport UK delivered a complete new fleet of trains. It has also led significant rolling stock programmes at ScotRail, MerseyRail, East Midlands Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Transdev, a global leader in mobility solutions, operates transportation networks in 19 countries, carrying over 11 million passengers daily. Known for its focus on safe, reliable, and innovative operations, Transdev brings deep expertise in large-scale passenger rail, urban mobility integration, and decarbonization strategies.

Together, the two companies will bring a global best-in-class approach to the MBTA system, combining rigorous operational standards, proven efficiency, and the latest innovations in customer experience — building a service that reflects the needs of local riders and strengthens the communities served.

The joint venture unites two highly experienced teams with complementary strengths.

●      Transport UK brings its unique experience as a British operator that has repeatedly revitalized underperforming services, delivering consistent results for passengers, employees, and government partners.

●      Transdev contributes over 60 years of experience in operating and maintaining complex public transport systems worldwide — including light rail, heavy rail, and metro operations across Europe, Australia, and North America.

Together, they offer unparalleled expertise in operational leadership, technology integration, workforce development, and community engagement. By combining global best practices with a deep understanding of local needs, the joint venture aims to strengthen communities, support economic growth, and provide a modern travel experience that improves everyday life for riders.

Dominic Booth, CEO of Transport UK, said:

“Our partnership with Transdev represents the next chapter in Transport UK’s growth, taking our proven model of excellence and delivery to the global stage. We’re proud to join forces with one of the world’s most respected mobility operators to offer Massachusetts a safe, efficient, and passenger-focused railway that reflects the best of British and international expertise.”

Laura Hendricks, CEO of Transdev North America, said:

“We are delighted to partner with Transport UK on this important opportunity. Both companies share a deep commitment to service excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Together, we will bring a world-class operating model that delivers value for passengers, employees, and the Massachusetts economy.”

For Transport UK, the partnership represents the company’s first major international venture, underlining its ambition to export British transport excellence and create long-term value for its business and the communities in which it operates.

For Transdev, the joint venture reinforces its position as a trusted global partner helping transport authorities deliver clean, connected, and customer-focused mobility systems.