PRODUCED BY INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS AUSTRALIA
Project

Melbourne Train Refranchising

PROJECT STATUS
Under Procurement
Melbourne Train Refranchising

Melbourne’s train refranchising covers the long-term operations and maintenance the train network.

The network comprises:

  • 16 lines

  • 227 stations

  • 429 trains

  • 17 depots

The franchise terms is expected to go up to 15 years, with options for extension. The franchise will support integration with major projects such as the Metro Tunnel, new rolling stock, and network upgrades.

Key Dates

Nov 2027 Operations/Service Completion
Nov 2027 Contract Award

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP)

PROJECT HISTORY

Nov 2017 The MR4 Melbourne Train Franchise was awarded in November 2017 to Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) – a consortium of UGL Rail, John Holland and MTR Corporation – for an initial seven-year term, with options to extend up to three years.
Sep 2025 The Victorian Government commenced procurement for the next franchise of Melbourne’s metropolitan train franchise – MR5, through the opening of a Registration of Experience (ROE).
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Victoria |
Resources
Government resources
MR4 Franchise Agreements
Project pages
Melbourne Train Refranchising
Major Contract

Melbourne Train Refranchising 5 - MR5

PROJECT STATUS
Under Procurement
Melbourne Train Refranchising 5 - MR5

The MR5 Train franchise will cover operations and maintenance of Melbourne’s metropolitan train network, including rolling stock, track, signalling, communications, and traction power systems under a contract of up to 15 years. The network comprises:

  • 16 lines

  • 227 stations

  • 429 trains

  • 17 depots

Key Dates

Sep 2025 ROIs Open
Oct 2025 ROIs Close
Oct 2025 EOIs Open
Dec 2025 EOIs Close
Feb 2026 RFP Open
Nov 2027 Operations/Service Commencement

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Victorian Department of Transport and Planning
Shortlist: Go Places Melbourne, comprising Go-Ahead, ACCIONA Rail and Tokyo Metro RATP Dev JH Downer, comprising RATP Dev, John Holland and Downer Melbourne Grow, comprising MTR, CRRC and DT Infrastructure.

PROJECT HISTORY

Sep 2025 The Victorian Government commenced procurement for the next franchise of Melbourne’s metropolitan train franchise – MR5, through the opening of a Registration of Experience (ROE).
Feb 2026 The Victorian Government shortlisted three consortia for the Refranchise. The shortlisted consortia include: Go Places Melbourne, comprising Go-Ahead, ACCIONA Rail and Tokyo Metro; RATP Dev JH Downer, comprising RATP Dev, John Holland and Downer; and Melbourne Grow, comprising MTR Corporation, CRRC and DT Infrastructure. Shortlisted consortia will now progress to a Request for Proposal phase, which is expected to be complete by September 2026.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Service Contract |
Location
Victoria |
Resources
Government resources
Registration of Experience
Media releases
2026/02/26 - Shortlisted Consortia
Project pages
Melbourne Train Refranchising (MR5)
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