CIMIC Group’s UGL has secured a contract for the operations of the Auckland passenger rail network in New Zealand.

The contract will generate revenue to UGL of more than NZ$600 million over an initial term of eight years.

UGL, and joint venture partner ComfortDelGro Transit, will assume responsibility for train operations including provision of drivers and other train staff, development of timetables, station operations and maintenance, security, customer facing activities and revenue protection, and management of the Auckland Network Access Agreement and KiwiRail interface. In addition, rolling stock maintenance will be delivered by the joint venture from 2025.

CIMIC Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Juan Santamaria said: “CIMIC Group and UGL are pleased to support the city of Auckland by improving public transport as it strives to be one of the world’s most liveable cities. UGL will apply its experience gained in operating and integrating rail systems and maintaining rolling stock and other support systems for essential transport networks, to the Auckland rail network.”

UGL Managing Director Doug Moss said: “UGL is Australasia’s largest rail services operator and maintainer. We operate and maintain rail networks in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT, and maintain rolling stock across Australia. We look forward to leveraging our expertise for the benefit of the users of the Auckland rail network, and developing a strong relationship with our client, Auckland Transport.”