Transport for London (TfL) has shortlisted four bidders for the operation of the Elizabeth Line from May 2025. This shortlist includes Arriva UK Trains, First Keolis Elizabeth Line, GTS Rail Operations, and MTR Corporation UK, the current operator. TfL will launch the tender in April 2024 and expects to receive bids in July 2024. The seven-year concession contract has the option of an extension of up to two years. The new operator will be responsible for working with TfL, Network Rail, and HS2 to prepare for the connection to the new HS2 station at Old Oak Common, which is planned to open between 2028 and 2033. An initial market consultation with potential bidders took place in June 2023. The 21 km central section of the Elizabeth Line opened in May 2022 and serves lines from Heathrow and Reading in the west through central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood. Since opening, over 300 million passengers have used the line, which runs up to 24 trains per hour at peak times.
