A new model for strategic supplier relationships
At Innotrans 2026, our subsidiary Keolis signed the public transport sector’s first supplier partnership charter with German company Knorr-Bremse.
Why sign a partnership charter with a supplier?
At Innotrans in Berlin, Keolis signed its first Supplier Partnership Charter with Knorr-Bremse, the German world leader in braking systems and other safety-critical rail subsystems. Finalized on 23 September 2026, this groundbreaking initiative marks a new approach to relations between public transport operators and their strategic suppliers.
At the heart of this approach are three priorities:
- improve service quality
- accelerate the green transition
- advance sustainable urban mobility
Mutual growth and CSR at the heart of the partnership charter
This pioneering charter recognizes suppliers as key partners in shaping the future of public transport. It is structured around three key areas:
- Mutual growth
- Shared value creation
- Corporate social responsibility, delivering direct benefits for users, local authorities and the regions served by Keolis
This agreement represents a paradigm shift in our approach to procurement. We’re moving away from a purely price-based competitive model to build meaningful partnerships with our approved suppliers. We will work together to innovate, reduce our environmental impact, and, above all, serve our customers better.
Chairman, Keolis Executive Board
Measurable commitments that benefit passengers
With no equivalent in the public transport sector, the charter sets out a series of ambitious commitments:
- Accelerated decarbonization: Knorr-Bremse commits to maintaining targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain.
- A hands-on approach to the circular economy: co-development of reuse and recycling solutions for both fleets and components.
- Collaborative innovation: co-design of solutions that create measurable value for Keolis operations, with Keolis networks made available for testing and validation. These initiatives are designed to address both current operational challenges and future mobility needs.
- Local employment and skills: support for local employment and regional development.
Each charter we sign strengthens our ability to innovate, reduce our environmental footprint, and deliver more sustainable, high-quality urban transport.
Chief Procurement Officer, Keolis
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