Serco, a a British outsourcing company, said it has won a three-year contract extension from Dubai developer Emaar Properties for managing the operations and maintenance of the Downtown Dubai Trolley System until 2019.

The initial operation and maintenance contract was awarded to Serco in 2015, said a statement from the company.

The company based in Hampshire, UK, is an expert in operation of public and private transport and traffic control, aviation, detention centres, call centres, prisons and schools.

The extension to 2019 reinforces the strength of Serco’s services portfolio delivering a fully integrated transport approach for the 500-acre Downtown Dubai mega-development.

Serco’s participation in the project began in August 2014 when engaged by Emaar under an early operator involvement contract, giving advice on the system during the design phase.  

David J Greer, the chief executive of Serco Middle East, said: "This award asserts our position as the region’s leading provider of high quality transport operations and maintenance services. The trolley is the first of its type in the Middle East and we are delighted to extend our partnership with Emaar and to continue to deliver the highest quality of service to the public."

Serco’s managing director (transport) Patrick Hallgate said: "This extension is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and is a result of the strong relationship Serco and Emaar have built over the last two years."-TradeArabia News Service