Every year, Keolis makes journeys easier for millions of passengers around the world. Thanks to the support of its public transport authority partners, the Group has developed proven expertise in transport network operation, maintenance and asset management. It continuously deploys and reinforces its expertise to guarantee passengers a reliable, optimised and high-quality transport service.
Guaranteeing the performance of transport networks
Optimising the operational performance of networks
Keolis has solid expertise in the operation and management of the rolling stock, infrastructure and IT systems required for the smooth running of transport networks: from commissioning to replacement and maintenance. The Group constantly innovates to ensure a high level of operational performance for its networks.
Increasing asset lifespans, maintaining service quality
All assets by definition have a limited lifespan. It is therefore crucial to manage the way they are used, maintained and replaced, so as to provide a safe, high-quality and cost-effective service. Keolis has developed acknowledged expertise in this area that stretches back many years.
In Melbourne, for example, Keolis' Australian subsidiary operates one of the oldest and most extensive light rail networks in the world, Yarra Trams. The challenge lies in running, maintaining, refurbishing and sometimes replacing trams and infrastructure from very different generations.
Predictive maintenance in support of performance
Keolis takes an innovative approach to predictive maintenance. It uses technological progress (data, video surveillance, sensors, IoT data analysis) to anticipate possible equipment and infrastructure failures, trigger action and adapt maintenance plans. This system reduces maintenance costs and improves the safety and reliability of transport services.
Boston: predictive maintenance for operational performance
In Boston, Massachusetts (USA), the commuter trains that Keolis operates are fitted with sensors that can count passengers, record vibrations, and measure the temperature of the carriages. Once collected, the data is centralised and analysed by predictive maintenance software, and helps detect possible malfunctions and react before a breakdown occurs.
Guaranteeing service quality and adapting services to unforeseen circumstances
Honouring contractual commitments is a core value at Keolis. Everywhere in the world, the Group strives to offer a high-quality operational service, whatever the geographical context, the mode of transport and the size of the network.
A well-calibrated offer for unparalleled service
Keolis uses a number of levers to fine-tune its transport provision and services. It uses OSS (operational support systems) or on-board GPS and regular audits to monitor compliance with bus, tram and train schedules and metro train frequency. In Lille, Lyon and Bordeaux, pedestrian routes are integrated into urban signposting and route planning to help PTAs open up their city centres and relieve the strain on the lines at peak time.
Exceptional events call for exceptional measures
In the event of an incident or unanticipated event (an accident, road works, a demonstration, etc.), bus drivers receive assistance from the operations control centre which warns them in advance and directs them to an alternative route so as to reduce delays. Keolis also supports the highlights happening in communities (major events, fairs, festivals, etc.) by adjusting the services deployed if necessary. This happens for football matches in Manchester or Rennes for example, while in Melbourne, Keolis Downer steps up its Yarra Trams services every year in January to cater to increased ridership during the Australian Open.
Highly rated centres of expertise and innovation
Whether for metro, tram, rail, bus or other modes of transport, Keolis aims for the highest levels of operational performance. To innovate, make constant progress and deliver ambitious projects, the Group has created three centres of excellence: one dedicated to metro and tram systems, a second for buses and new energies, and a third dedicated to rail and intelligent transport systems. Based in Lyon, the experts provide services all over the world, at the request of networks. Their task is to provide technical support, disseminate Keolis know-how, promote innovation and contribute to the Group's operational excellence throughout the world.
Employees committed to ever higher performance
Employee engagement is essential to guarantee the performance of transport networks. Consequently, Keolis endeavours to provide everyone with working conditions that are conducive to personal fulfilment.
To achieve this, the Group has launched an ambitious operational excellence programme based on the active involvement of its employees in the quest for performance.
This system is designed to equip teams, transform the way they work and maintain high standards of performance and quality.
One of the key elements of this system is the training and support provided to employees, who are on the front line every day in guaranteeing passenger satisfaction. In 2023, Keolis invested 4% of its payroll in training, three times more than the legal requirement in France . The Group also runs 350 training programmes at its in-house training centres.
