Go-Ahead to Expand Rail Operations into Australia and New Zealand

Go-Ahead has established a new office in Melbourne to explore rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. The company aims to apply its experience in managing large and complex rail operations to potential projects in the region.

Go-Ahead is already a significant rail operator in the UK and the Nordics, overseeing extensive passenger services.

In the UK, the company plays a major role in rail transport through Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates four rail companies in the south of England and accounts for nearly 20% of all UK rail journeys. Each year, Go-Ahead facilitates over one billion rail journeys and has contributed to the adoption of digital signalling on the UK’s mainline network. From May 2025, it will also assume operation of the Elizabeth line in London, which serves more than 700,000 passengers daily.

In addition to its UK operations, Go-Ahead has also expanded its presence in the Nordics. The company currently runs services in Norway and is set to begin operating Stockholm’s Metro network later this year. This contract is one of the largest public transport agreements in continental Europe, serving approximately 350 million passengers annually.

Patrick Verwer, CEO, Rail, Go-Ahead said:

We have ambitious plans to build on our recent success and continue to grow our rail operations. We’re excited about exploring opportunities in Australia and New Zealand where we can apply our experience of operating busy, complex transport networks.

To support its expansion into Australia and New Zealand, Go-Ahead has appointed Piero McCarthy as Business Development Director for the region. McCarthy has two decades of industry experience, including senior business development roles within Go-Ahead and operational leadership in Govia Thameslink Railway.