Transport for London signs up ABM UK as it looks to streamline supplier network

Transport for London (TfL), operator of the UK capital’s underground train network, has awarded ABM UK a five-year contract for cleaning and associated services of its transport system.

This will include the cleaning provision of tube stations, trains, bus depots, head office buildings and the London Transport Museum.

The move is in line with TfL’s aims of delivering cost effective improvements to London’s transport network through improving the services it provides, whilst simultaneously lowering operating expenses and streamlining elements of its supply chain.

ABM is the sixth facilities management contract to be consolidated from the network’s 50, with TfL’s Chief Procurement Officer David Wylie confident that this strategy will ensure improvement in multiple areas.

“By consolidating TfL contracts we will be operating in the most efficient way and ensuring better value for money,” he said.

“The contract with ABM UK will see our high standards of cleanliness on the transport network maintained and enhanced and, by creating much-needed apprenticeships and supporting our schemes to help those who might otherwise find it hard to get a job, this contract will also open up opportunities for hundreds of Londoners.”

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ABM, which currently employs over 5,500 people, were required to submit an equality and diversity plan as part of the procurement process, with the company promising to create 150 apprenticeships throughout its contract as part of the deal.

“ABM UK has a great track record of looking after some of London's most iconic sites. The buses, trains and Tubes are a defining feature of daily life in the Capital,” said Group Managing Director of ABM UK, Andy Donnell.

“We are proud and honoured to be working alongside TfL and look forward to playing our small but important part in helping to keep the city moving, working and growing.

“Importantly, and as a former apprentice acutely aware of a growing skills gap in the industry, I'm pleased that creating apprenticeships is at the heart of our agreement with TfL.”

The contract will go live on 17 September 2017, with three phases of implementation.