Passengers set to benefit as Arriva takes over London Overground Concession

Arriva, one of Europe’s biggest transport operators, takes over the sole running of London Overground concession from today.

Arriva was awarded the contract in March following a competitive bidding process to operate the capital’s fastest growing transport network, which over the past nine years it has operated in a joint venture.

Arriva will work closely with Transport for London (TfL) to bring further improvements which build on the success of the network and the passenger experience over the next seven-and-a-half-years.

Some 180 million journeys are taken on London Overground services each year – a number which is set to grow further as the network integrates lines north of London.

Chris Burchell, managing director of Arriva UK’s trains division, said:

“London Overground has been a huge success story since its launch in 2007 and we are excited to be given the opportunity to operate the network through its next crucial phase.

“The network is vital to maintaining a functioning, well-connected city, which is why expansion of routes into places like Barking Riverside and the electrification of the line between Gospel Oak and Barking presents a next step in the network’s continued integration.

“We look forward to working closely with Transport for London to deliver world-class performance and customer service levels in years to come.”

The concession will be operated by Arriva London Rail Ltd and led by managing director, Will Rogers.

The takeover of London Overground comes at the end of a positive year for Arriva, which operates rail and bus services in 14 countries, having taken over the newly rebranded Northern franchise in April.

About Arriva

Arriva is one of the largest providers of passenger transport in Europe, employing more than 55,000 people and delivering more than 2.2 billion passenger journeys across 14 European countries each year.

We operate a wide range of services including local buses, inter-urban commuter coaches, local, regional and national train services, trams and light rail, waterbuses, demand response, non-emergency patient transport and airport related transport services.

Arriva is part of Deutsche Bahn (DB) and is responsible for DB's regional passenger transport services outside Germany.