Facilitating seamless crew movements for Colas Rail UK

The Client

As a subsidiary of the Colas Group, Colas Rail UK are part of 100+ years of experience in delivering major innovations across the rail sector. Every day, thousands of trains run on tracks built or maintained by Colas Rail.

They offer a wide range of services, including infrastructure, rail services, urban and high-speed rail such as; metros, tramways, and trolley buses.

The Challenge

Previously, taxi requirements were managed through a single supplier, which offered a consistent service but with limited vehicle options due to the available network. While the service supported core operational needs, the setup presented challenges around scalability, reliability and visibility - ultimately placing added pressure on frontline teams and limiting overall efficiency.

To overcome these issues, a more robust solution was required - one that could offer broader coverage across the UK. As a business where duty of care, safety, employee welfare, and fatigue management are non-negotiable priorities, Colas Rail enforces a strict 14-hour door-to-door policy for all staff. This ensures every team member must get home safely and with minimal disruption - no matter where they are in the country.

Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, they needed a reliable transport partner, with real people there to support them with both emergency and planned crew movements round-the-clock.

The Solution

In 2019, CMAC partnered with Colas Rail to deliver critical 24/7/365 support for their crew movements across the UK. The partnership combines national coverage with local agility, underpinned by CMAC’s commitment to compliance, reliability, and industry expertise.

As Colas Rail’s sole partner for crew-related ground transport, CMAC offer the ideal solution - a single, centralised partner with access to a vast, fully compliant network of vetted and trusted local taxi providers. This approach appeals to Colas Rail as it boosts local economies and ensures full safety and operational checks are handled by CMAC - giving them total confidence in every journey.

With 94% of bookings made by phone, Colas Rail benefits from round-the-clock support from CMAC’s expert operations team. This responsive service is invaluable during time-critical or emergency situations, offering the reassurance of immediate human assistance whenever needed.

CMAC’s advanced vehicle tracking and real-time journey monitoring ensures the safe, secure coordination of crew movements - so that staff arrive safely on site, well-rested and ready to work.

In addition, the partnership also brings with it a wide range of additional benefits, including fixed route pricing, agreed mileage rates, comprehensive reporting, detailed weekly invoices, centralised management of authorised bookers, a dedicated Partnership Manager and a team of real people ready to support them through our expert operational centres.

CMAC’s scale means Colas Rail experiences reduced transport rates by eliminating the complexity of managing multiple regional taxi suppliers.

Results include:

• Upholding a 99.7% client satisfaction rate.
• Successfully managed over 5,000 bookings in the last year.
• Supported sustainability goals, with 45% of vehicles in the past 12 months being hybrid-electric or electric, advancing Colas Rail’s initiatives.
• Achieved 88% of planned bookings arriving on time or early in 2024.
• Delivered rapid response for emergency requests, with 93% of bookings (made within four hours) arriving within 20 minutes.

By harnessing CMAC’s trusted supplier network, expertise, and service-driven technology, Colas Rail is empowered to maintain seamless crew movements - enabling the business to focus on its core operations and continue delivering major innovations shaping the UK rail industry.