Addleshaw Goddard has advised a joint venture between Keolis and Amey on the contract to operate and maintain Greater Manchester's Metrolink - the UK's largest light rail network with 37 million passengers using it each year.

The JV partners were awarded the contract, which will run for up to 10 years, following a competitive procurement run by Transport for Greater Manchester.

The contract award comes at a key time for the Metrolink, as the second city crossing is completed and construction has commenced on the Trafford Park Line extension, with completion expected in 2020/2021.

The AG team was led by Head of Transport Paul Hirst alongside Phil Dupres, Helen Bailey and Moh Rafi in the Infrastructure, Projects & Energy team. Support was also seen from the firm's Employment, Procurement and Competition teams.

Paul Hirst, Head of Transport at Addleshaw Goddard said: "We are delighted to advise key clients Keolis UK and Amey Rail on this hugely important and successful bid. This contract, which comes at a key time for the city as it presses ahead with its devolution agenda, will not only boost the local economy, but will allow for the continued growth and development of the iconic Metrolink."

Alistair Gordon, chief executive of Keolis UK, said: "We welcome this opportunity to bring our expertise to bear on the Greater Manchester Metrolink network and provide an excellent public transport service to the city and surrounding areas.

"Our international experience tells us that a reliable, safe and customer-focused transport network is a crucial part of the engine for economic growth. We will build on Metrolink’s success and ensure we provide the support to help meet the city region's social and economic ambitions. We look forward to working closely with TfGM to deliver the highest levels of performance and customer satisfaction in the coming years.

"This contract award underlines the success of our long term strategy to develop a presence across all sectors of British transport and marks another significant milestone in our growing partnership with Amey."

Andy Milner, Amey’s Chief Executive, said: "We've worked in the Manchester region for many years and know how significant Metrolink has been in supporting the growth and outstanding success of the region as a whole.

"We look forward to bringing our capabilities and expertise as part of our proven partnership with Keolis to ensure the ongoing success of this vital service, working collaboratively to create better journeys for Greater Manchester’s residents and visitors."