Keolis has strengthened its Nordic bus operations after securing major public transport contracts in Denmark and Sweden.
Danish public transport authority Sydtrafik has selected the operator to operate two fully electric bus networks in South Jutland. It has also been awarded a new 10-year contract by Region Dalarna in Sweden to continue operating and developing bus services in Falun and Borlänge.
The Danish contracts mark Keolis’ return to South Jutland for the first time since 2013. Together, they have a combined value of about €146 million and will see Keolis operate 30 electric buses across two networks.
The first contract, Sydtrafik-21, will begin in June 2026 for an initial 10-year term, with two optional additional years. It will cover 15 electric buses, about 33,300 annual commercial hours and an estimated revenue of €59 million.
The second contract, Sydtrafik-22, is scheduled to begin in June 2027. It will also run for 10 years, with two optional two-year extensions, and will cover 15 electric buses, about 48,800 annual commercial hours and an estimated revenue of €87 million.
Keolis Group CEO for Continental Europe Jan Kilström says the Danish contracts reflect confidence in the operator’s sustainable transport capabilities.
“These two contracts demonstrate the confidence of Danish authorities in our expertise in delivering sustainable and high-performing mobility,” Kilström says.
“They represent an important milestone marking our return to the South Jutland region. We are committed to supporting the region in its transition to low-emission public transport, by operating reliable services tailored to the needs of residents and our client Sydtrafik.”
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Keolis has operated in Denmark for more than 20 years. It currently runs more than 400 buses across the country, employs 1,800 staff and operates the Aarhus and Odense tram networks.
In Sweden, the new Dalarna contract will start on June 12, 2028 and run for 10 years. It extends Keolis’ long-running presence in Falun and Borlänge, where the company has operated urban bus services since 2015.
The contract includes a major electrification program. City bus services in Falun and Borlänge will move to 100 per cent electric operation, while regional services will reach 50 per cent electric operation.
Keolis says the transition will support quieter, cleaner and more comfortable passenger journeys while contributing to Region Dalarna’s environmental objectives.
“This is an assignment that means a lot to us,” Kilström says.
“Together with Region Dalarna, we have taken important steps in recent years in the electrification and development of bus traffic in Falun and Borlänge. We now have the opportunity to continue that development, with a focus on quality, sustainability and attractive public transport for passengers.”
The Dalarna contract follows a partnership that has included fleet renewal, investment in driver working conditions, and work to improve passenger services. Keolis and Dalatrafik also extended their existing agreement in 2024, before the new competitive award.
Keolis has operated in Sweden since 2003 and now employs more than 5,000 people across the country. Its Swedish operations span Västra Götaland, Värmland, Dalarna, Stockholm, Uppsala and Skåne.
The group also operates Stockholm city centre and Lidingö bus services, the Uppsala county bus network, a fully electric bus network in Gothenburg and a tram and bus contract in Lund.
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