Arriva Expands into Rail Construction and Maintenance Through RTS Infrastructure Deal

Arriva Expands into Rail Construction and Maintenance Through RTS Infrastructure Deal

(IN BRIEF) Arriva Group has acquired RTS Infrastructure, marking its entry into the UK rail infrastructure construction market and expanding its maintenance network with the addition of a new depot near Leeds. The deal includes RTS’s rail maintenance, depot operations, and design-and-build construction business, broadening Arriva’s UK rail services and supporting its diversification strategy. RTS brings established expertise, a strong client base, and a Network Rail Principal Contractor Licence, which enables new service offerings. Leaders from both companies emphasized the strategic fit and growth potential of the merger. The acquisition forms part of Arriva’s European expansion strategy focused on sustainable transport innovation, with all RTS staff and customer agreements continuing unaffected.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 10-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Arriva Group has announced the completion of its acquisition of RTS Infrastructure, a move that marks the company’s first step into the UK rail infrastructure construction market while significantly expanding its train maintenance operations. The transaction includes RTS’s train maintenance and depot services as well as its rail infrastructure design and construction business, strengthening Arriva’s footprint in the UK’s rail industry.

Through this acquisition, Arriva will enhance and diversify its UK Trains business division, broadening its service offerings and generating a more balanced and sustainable revenue mix. The Group will assume RTS Infrastructure’s current maintenance, design, and construction contracts, reinforcing its order pipeline and positioning it for long-term growth.

A key part of the deal is the lease of a modern rail maintenance depot near Leeds Station, which will become a vital hub in Arriva’s nationwide depot network. This new facility will increase the company’s overnight servicing capacity and support its ability to provide dependable, high-quality maintenance and engineering services to rail operators throughout the UK.

Based in Leeds, RTS Infrastructure has a 15-year track record of delivering rail depot servicing and infrastructure works, including platform upgrades and track modifications. The company also holds a Network Rail Principal Contractor Licence, opening new business avenues for Arriva by enabling it to offer construction and infrastructure services directly to clients.

Amanda Furlong, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains and member of the Arriva Executive Committee, described the acquisition as a strategic investment:

“This acquisition demonstrates Arriva’s continued commitment to the UK rail sector. By integrating RTS Infrastructure, we are strengthening our depot capacity and bringing valuable construction and infrastructure capabilities in-house. This move enhances our competitiveness and supports our strategy to diversify and adapt within a changing rail environment.”

Paul Hutchings, Managing Director of Arriva Rail Services, added:

“RTS Infrastructure is a strong strategic fit, expanding our depot footprint and adding new design and build capabilities. With its skilled workforce and robust order book, this acquisition enables us to better serve both new and existing customers.”

Chris Reid, Managing Director of RTS Infrastructure, welcomed the acquisition:

“Joining Arriva is an exciting milestone for RTS. Over 15 years, we’ve built a highly respected business with a talented team and strong client relationships. Becoming part of Arriva allows us to expand our services and benefit from the scale, stability, and opportunities of a major European transport group.”

The acquisition aligns with Arriva’s broader European growth strategy, which focuses on investments in fleet, infrastructure, and digital innovation to promote sustainable and attractive public transport solutions. The company emphasized that all RTS Infrastructure employees and customer contracts will remain unchanged during the transition, ensuring operational stability and continuity.

SOURCE: Arriva Group