Arriva Group has completed the acquisition of RTS Infrastructure, marking a major step in its expansion within the UK rail sector. The deal brings Arriva into the rail infrastructure construction market for the first time and enhances its maintenance capacity with the addition of a modern depot near Leeds.
Under the agreement, Arriva has taken over RTS Infrastructure’s train maintenance and depot operations, as well as its design and build rail infrastructure business. RTS holds a Network Rail Principal Contractor Licence, enabling Arriva to deliver infrastructure projects directly — a new service area for the Group.
The acquisition includes the lease of a modern rail maintenance facility near Leeds Station, which will become part of Arriva’s national depot network. This expansion complements the existing Arriva TrainCare business and increases the Group’s overnight servicing capacity for rail vehicles.
Broader service offering
RTS Infrastructure, based in Leeds, delivers depot servicing and infrastructure works such as platform upgrades and track alterations across the UK. Arriva will take over RTS’s existing maintenance and construction contracts, strengthening its order book and broadening its offering to new and existing customers.
Amanda Furlong, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains, said:
“This acquisition is an important investment for the Arriva Group and underlines our commitment to the UK rail industry, building our position within it. RTS Infrastructure not only strengthens our depot capacity, but brings valuable construction and infrastructure capability in-house and enhances our competitiveness in the rail sector. This deal is crucial to our strategy to diversify in the UK rail market and operate more flexibly in a changing policy and commercial environment.”
Paul Hutchings, Managing Director of Arriva Rail Services, added:
“RTS Infrastructure is a great fit for our UK rail business, bringing an expanded depot footprint and new opportunities to deliver design and construction services. With a skilled team and strong order book, the acquisition will help us better serve new and existing clients.”
Supporting growth and diversification
The move supports Arriva’s strategy to diversify its UK rail portfolio and strengthen long-term growth through a broader revenue mix. By integrating infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance, Arriva will be able to offer a more comprehensive range of services across the rail industry.
Chris Reid, Managing Director of RTS Infrastructure, said:
“We’re thrilled to be joining Arriva Group. We’ve built a successful business over 15 years, delivering high-quality infrastructure and depot operations to the UK rail sector and servicing major clients, winning national frameworks and employing an incredibly skilled and dedicated team. Becoming part of Arriva will allow us to expand and enhance the services we offer our customers, backed by the strength, scale, and expertise of a pan-European organisation with its established and diverse UK rail portfolio.”
RTS Infrastructure will continue operating under its existing contracts, with no changes to employee roles or customer agreements.
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