Alstom has signed a EUR 50 million contract in partnership with FirstGroup and Eversholt Rail for the refurbishment and maintenance of five 6-car Class 222 trains. This comes ahead of the launch of open access passenger services between Stirling and London under FirstGroup’s Lumo brand.
The contract comprises two key components which includes a Train Services Agreement (TSA) with FirstGroup, valued at approximately EUR 47.5 million, to be delivered at Alstom’s Central Rivers facility. From here, Alstom will maintain, overhaul, service and clean the five trains over the next five years.
With Eversholt Rail, the EUR 12 million contract includes a fleet modernisation programme which will be carried out at Alstom’s Widnes site. The refresh involves installation of new, ergonomically designed seating, upgraded passenger Wi-Fi for improved onboard connectivity and a full exterior repaint to align with Lumo’s branding.
The modernisation also includes new CCTV systems and Intelligent Engine Start-Stop (IESS) technology, which automatically shuts down and restarts the train’s engine when stationary, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Built by Alstom as part of the Voyager family and previously operated by East Midlands Railway as Meridian trains, the five Class 222 trains are scheduled to re-enter service with Lumo next year, serving passengers between central and southern Scotland and London Euston.
Alstom’s Central Rivers depot in Burton upon Trent is a purpose built train maintenance facility, which includes a state-of-the-art double-head lathe, nine maintenance roads and two lifting roads. This facility can stable up to 37 trains, with overnight servicing of up to 26 trains.
The Alstom Transport Technology Centre in Widnes is the UK’s largest and most sophisticated centre for train modernisation. Opened in 2017, its vast size and close embrace of digital principle makes the Cheshire facility ideal for work on intercity trains. The contract with FirstGroup and Eversholt will support 50 roles across the two sites, alongside many more through Alstom’s UK supply chain.
Share on:
