Who Runs Melbourne’s Trains?

Melbourne’s suburban trains are operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, a joint venture owned by Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation (60%), John Holland (20%) and UGL Rail (20%). It has operated the network since 2009 under a franchise agreement with the Victorian Government. The rail land and infrastructure remain publicly owned through VicTrack, separating ownership of the railway from responsibility for running its services.

The next operating contract, MR5, is due to begin in late 2027. Three shortlisted consortia include Hong Kong’s MTR, Japan’s Tokyo Metro and France’s RATP Dev. MTR is bidding with CRRC and DT Infrastructure, while its current partner John Holland has joined RATP Dev and Downer in a rival bid. MTR’s involvement beyond 2027 therefore depends on winning the new contract.