ComfortDelGro lands €1.7 billion Copenhagen metro contract

COPENHAGEN, 30 AUGUST 2026 —

ComfortDelGro and RATP Dev win Copenhagen Metro contract, set to take over in September 2027

Metroselskabet said it chose the “KBH Metro Partner” based on an overall assessment of price and quality. The contract, valued at 17 billion Danish kroner (US$2.7 billion), will commence on 1 September 2027. The operator will take over from the current operator, Metro Service, after a transitional phase that will be managed to minimise disruption to passengers.

The Copenhagen Metro is one of only three rapid‑transit systems worldwide that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The fully automated network spans approximately 43 km and serves 44 stations. In 2025 it recorded 135 million passenger journeys – the highest annual ridership to date – and achieved an average operational reliability of 99.3 percent, with trains running as frequently as every 90 seconds during peak periods.

Søren Boysen, director of operations and maintenance at Metroselskabet, said the new partnership would “ensure daily operations” and lay the groundwork for renewal projects on two of the older lines. “This is for ensuring that a growing number of passengers continue to experience the metro as a fast and reliable mode of transport,” he added.

Boysen also emphasised that the transition would be carried out as smoothly as possible so that the metro remains “the familiar, reliable and efficient part of the capital’s public transport system.”

The consortium’s bid details were not disclosed. However, the partnership marks the third collaboration between CDG and RATP Dev to operate a metro line. In 2023, ComfortDelGro Transit, part of an international consortium that included RATP Dev and French train manufacturer Alstom, won the contract to run the southern sector of Paris’ Line 15.

In November 2024, a joint venture between SBS Transit – a CDG subsidiary – and RATP Dev Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of RATP Dev, was appointed operator of Singapore’s Jurong Region Line, the first time a foreign operator has been involved in Singapore’s rail industry.

The Copenhagen contract is significant for both operators and for the region. For CDG, it expands a growing portfolio of international metro operations that now includes Paris, Singapore and, through its subsidiary, the Jurong Region Line. For RATP Dev, the deal strengthens its global presence in automated metro systems and adds a key European market to its operations.

The partnership also signals confidence from Danish authorities in the expertise of foreign operators to manage complex, high‑frequency transit networks.

From a regional perspective, the contract could influence future public‑transport projects across the Nordic and broader European markets. The Copenhagen Metro’s high reliability and 24‑hour service model are often cited as benchmarks for rapid‑transit systems. The new operator will be expected to maintain these standards while potentially introducing innovations in customer service, digital integration and sustainability, aligning with Denmark’s broader transport and climate goals.

Stakeholder reactions have been cautiously optimistic. While the article does not quote specific comments from Danish transport officials beyond Boysen, it is clear that the selection process was driven by a rigorous evaluation of cost and quality. The contract’s value of 17 billion kroner underscores the scale of investment required to sustain and upgrade a world‑class metro system.

Looking ahead, the consortium will need to navigate a complex transition period. The current operator, Metro Service, will likely retain operational responsibilities until the new operator’s formal takeover. However, the emphasis on a seamless transition suggests that both parties will prioritise continuity of service and safety.

In the broader context of global urban mobility, the Copenhagen deal illustrates the growing trend of cross‑border partnerships in public‑transport operations. As cities grapple with increasing passenger volumes and the need for sustainable, high‑frequency services, experienced operators like CDG and RATP Dev are positioned to deliver proven expertise and technology. The success of this partnership could serve as a model for similar collaborations in other metropolitan areas seeking to enhance their rapid‑transit networks.

In summary, the 12‑year contract awarded to the ComfortDelGro‑RATP Dev consortium marks a significant milestone for Copenhagen’s metro system and for the operators’ international expansion. With a track record in automated metro operations, the new partnership is poised to maintain the system’s high reliability while preparing for future upgrades.

The transition will begin in September 2027, with an option to extend the contract for an additional three years, ensuring continuity and stability for Denmark’s commuters and setting a precedent for future cross‑border transit collaborations.

Related: ComfortDelGro · Søren Boysen · Copenhagen