JH to run Melbourne rail in alliance

John Holland's stake in MTM is 20 per cent, with the new franchise expected to begin operation in December 2009.
John Holland Group Managing Director, Glenn Palin said: "John Holland has a long and proud history in Melbourne. We welcome this significant opportunity and are committed to working with both our consortium partners and the Victorian State Government to improve the quality of rail services."
Bid Director and appointed MTM CEO, Andrew Lezala, said: "The MTM team put forward an extensive and very thorough offer which drew on our team's expertise from different railways around the globe. We now look forward to concluding the tender process and getting to work on mobilising our team for transition and taking the reins of the new branded Franchise. We have a big job to do and we can't wait to get started."
MTM was appointed from a shortlist of three, following an intensive and interactive bid phase with the Government's Project Team. Part of MTM's promise to Melburnians will be to get the basics of safety and reliability right, creating a rail network which is 'for everyone, everyday'.
MTM will commence final negotiations with the Victorian State Government in the coming weeks.