Austin Texas’ Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) awarded a three-year base term contract to Keolis North America, with two one-year optional extensions.

CapMetro will represent Keolis’ largest bus contract in the U.S. and build upon significant contract growth in the last year.

Keolis, CapMetro Partnership

Beginning on Jan. 1, Keolis will assume responsibility for maintenance and operations of fixed-route bus service, as well as high-frequency routes, UT Austin, cross-town, regional, night owl, local, and commuter routes. 

In recommending Keolis, CapMetro staff cited a local leadership team with strong transit experience and knowledge of fleet electrification and bus rapid transit (BRT) startups.

“Keolis’ strong local leadership teams and commitments to our partnership have given us full confidence to ensure support and respect for our frontline staff,” said Dottie Watkins, president and CEO of CapMetro. “CapMetro firmly believes this contract will help solidify the needs of team members employed by Keolis and allow them to continue focusing on delivering reliable service to Central Texans.” 

A Closer Look at the Details

Keolis’ partnership with CapMetro is unique for a contract of this size in the U.S., according to the contractor.

The contract has clearly defined accountabilities between the public transit authority and the private contractor. For example, certain management positions will fall under Keolis’ employment, contributing to excellent service for passengers and a sharing of both risk and responsibility.    

“One of our key pillars at Keolis is partnership with our clients, and our agreement with CapMetro epitomizes what a partnership looks like,” said CEO of Keolis North America David Scorey.

Keolis is committed to innovating management systems through Keolis Industrialized and Harmonized Maintenance (KIHM) and Keolis Industrialized and Harmonized Operations (KIHO).

The contractor will also assist CapMetro with its energy transition and decarbonization efforts by leveraging support from its International Center for Excellence for Energy Transition.

The Center for Excellence assists industry partners in the deployment of alternative energy fleets by compiling performance data from around the world, identifying best practices, and sharing lessons learned to support partners’ decision-making as they transition to greener fleets. Keolis will also modernize and digitalize human resources systems to better serve its employees.