Mobility services provider Keolis has secured two contracts to operate fully electric bus networks in southern Denmark, awarded by regional transport authority Sydtrafik, in a move that will see 30 battery-electric buses enter service over the coming years.
The two agreements are expected to generate combined revenue of approximately €146 million and further expand Keolis’ presence in Denmark’s growing zero-emission public transport sector.
First Contract to Launch in 2026
The first agreement, known as Sydtrafik-21, is scheduled to begin operations in June 2026. The contract carries an initial term of 10 years, with an option for a two-year extension.
Under the agreement, Keolis will operate 15 battery-electric buses providing around 33,300 commercial service hours annually. The company estimates revenue from the contract at approximately €59 million over its duration.
Second Network Scheduled for 2027
A second contract, Sydtrafik-22, is set to commence in June 2027 under similar contractual terms. The agreement also includes 15 battery-electric buses but covers a larger operational scope, with approximately 48,800 commercial operating hours per year.
Keolis estimates the contract will generate revenue of around €87 million.
Neither contract announcement included details regarding the bus supplier, battery specifications, charging systems, or supporting infrastructure.
Return to South Jutland
The awards mark Keolis’ return to South Jutland, where the company last operated public transport services more than a decade ago.
Jan Kilström, CEO Continental Europe at Keolis Group, said the contracts demonstrate confidence from Danish transport authorities and support regional decarbonisation efforts.
“They represent a significant step in Keolis’ return to South Jutland and its commitment to supporting the region’s transition to a lower-emission public transport system.”
Expanding Electric Mobility Operations
Keolis has maintained operations in Denmark for more than 20 years and currently manages a fleet of over 400 buses across the country. The company employs approximately 1,800 people in Denmark.
In addition to bus services, Keolis operates the tram systems in Aarhus and Odense. The Aarhus network entered service in 2017, while the Odense tram began operations in 2022.
The latest contract awards underscore the continued shift toward electrified public transportation in Denmark, where regional authorities are increasingly adopting zero-emission buses as part of broader climate and mobility strategies.