Serco extends transport contracts in Hong Kong

7th Jun 2013 07:07

Public services outsourcing group Serco has won the contract to operate and maintain toll roads in Hong Kong as it looks to push further into the transport sector.Beginning in September, the contract is worth HK$960m (£79.3m) over a minimum six-year base period to manage, operate and maintain the Tsing Sha Control Area of toll roads.Serco has been contracted to engage in toll collection, controlling and regulating traffic, vehicle recovery and rescue, patrols and handling of incidents.The contract also requires the group be responsible for scheduled works including regular inspection and routine maintenance of bridges, buildings, tunnels, equipment, traffic signals and IT systems. Chief Executive Christopher Hyman said the group was pleased to expand its existing relationship with Hong Kong's Transport Department and extend its recent contract wins in the transport area. "This announcement builds upon our recent significant contract win with the Virginia Department of Transportation in the US, and strengthens our global transport capabilities in preparation for further growth driven by expanding middle classes and mass urbanisation. "We anticipate further management, operation and maintenance opportunities in Asia, together with other exciting transport opportunities in Australia, India and the Middle East, all of which will leverage Serco's international skills and capabilities in this important market."Serco has been working with the Hong Kong Transport Department since 1993, and has already collected more than HK$11bn a year from road tolls, rail and other public transport networks. Serco, which already employs over 900 staff in Hong Kong as its largest tunnel operator, said it would partner with a number of specialist providers, including a joint venture partner Lam Construction. OH