In October 2016, Abellio, Arriva, a Keolis/Amey joint venture and MTR Corporation were shortlisted to bid for the next franchise,Rail operator shortlist revealed Welsh Government 12 October 2016Wales & Borders bidders asked to propose Metro options Railway Gazette International 13 October 2016 which would be operated under the Transport for Wales brand. In October 2017, Arriva withdrew from the bidding process.Arriva pulls out of Wales & Borders franchise contest International Railway Journal 30 October 2017Arriva Trains Wales drops out of Welsh rail franchise bid BBC News 30 October 2017 Abellio withdrew in February 2018 following the collapse of its partner Carillion in January. In May 2018, it was awarded to KeolisAmey Wales for a 15-year period from 14 October 2018 in a contract worth £5billion.Wales' rail and metro franchise to be run by KeolisAmey BBC News 23 May 2018 The contract aimed to deliver much-needed investment in the Welsh network, including:
