Metros: world-renowned expertise

The metro is a fast, safe and efficient high-capacity transport mode. That's why many cities are making it the backbone of their public transport network  In partnership with Keolis. With ten networks in seven countries and a 40-year proven track record, Keolis is the world leader in automated metro systems.

The world leader in automated metros

With 330 km of track, Keolis is not only a world leader in automated metros but also a pioneer in this mode, having launched the first driverless line in Lille in 1983. This head start has enabled us to develop unique expertise and achieve operational excellence, whatever the stage of the project This ranges from launching new automated lines, as we did in Shanghai in 2018; taking over driverless lines, as we did in 2014 on London's Docklands Light Railway; or automating aging systems, as we did in Lyon, where the trains on line B have just been automated as part of the Avenir Métro project.

Keolis metros in figures

  • World leader in automated metros

  • 452 km of track in operation and under construction, including 330 km of automated track

  • 10 networks in seven countries: China, Côte d'Ivoire, the United Arab Emirates, France, India, Qatar, United Kingdom

  • The world's largest automated metro in Dubai with 90 km of track

*Figures as of end 2020

a tram stop in China

Using technology to serve passengers

Our automated metro networks are managed from single control centres. Depending on the number of passengers, control centre teams can adjust the speed, train frequency, stopping time in stations, number of crews present on the platforms or number of trains in real time.  The state-of-the-art equipment, combined with Keolis' expertise, improves the reliability and quality of service of our lines.

subway station

Managing passenger affluence for more enjoyable journeys 

Whether adding trains, modulating the stopping time in stations or adjusting speed, our operating schedules account for peak and off-peak periods. In Lille, the time interval between two metros has been reduced to 66 seconds in rush hour, the shortest time interval in the world. Trains are less crowded, offering more comfort and tranquillity to passengers. This has led to a 93% satisfaction rate, (Keopulse survey, 2019) and the on-going confidence of the public transport authority for 40 years.  In another initiative, we responded to a saturated network by partnering with with Rennes University to shift the timetables of 14,000 students by 15 minutes; in doing so, we smoothed out the extreme peak hour traffic and enhanced transport conditions for  all.

Combining human and digital for a more resilient service

Driverless doesn't mean short staffed. In Shanghai, to limit delays caused by disruptions, our teams on the ground have been trained to  respond to and inform passengers, whilst making alternative transport available.

Ticket validation

Constantly improving performance

Whether it's modernising infrastructure, using data, creating new services or sharing knowledge, we use our expertise and capacity for innovation to achieve the highest levels of performance. Notably with the help of our Centre of Excellence for metros and trams. The experts of this Lyon-based entity are active all over the world, ready to step in at all stages of a project: preliminary studies, readiness for operation, assistance during implementation, advice, and analysis.

Metro lines that blend seamlessly into the network

To make passenger journeys easier from end to end, Keolis coordinates all different available transport modes in a local region (metro, train, bus, tram, etc.), whilst ensuring smooth connections and multimodal interchanges. In Hyderabad, Doha, Shanghai, Lyon, London and Dubai, Keolis contributes to multimodality and to the development of local communities.

In Rennes and Lille, these multimodal networks are complemented by a MaaS (Mobility as a Service) offer. By combining all the available mobility options in the local region, MaaS lets passengers plan and book their route plus pay for and validate their ticket online.

Predictive maintenance for quality

Asset management is one of Keolis' key areas of expertise. All over the world, sensors positioned onboard trains or on platforms record information  regarding train vibrations, speed, engine temperature or wear of certain parts. Centralised and analysed by predictive maintenance software, this information is used to draw up models for predicting deterioration. This makes it possible to anticipate any necessary maintenance operations before a breakdown occurs. This expertise has been applied on the London DLR, operated by KeolisAmey since 2014. Our predictive maintenance methods enabled us to exceed the 99% punctuality target set by the public transport authority, Transport for London, in just a few months.