5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Firm secures £50m contract for new Scotland train route
The contract comprises two key components which includes a Train Services Agreement (TSA) with FirstGroup – valued at approximately £40m – 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.
In addition, the contract includes a fleet modernisation programme with Eversholt Rail – worth around £10m – 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.
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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.
Peter Broadley, Commercial Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, said: 'This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering high-performance, customer-focused rail services across the UK.
"By combining Alstom's deep technical expertise with the operational excellence of FirstGroup and Eversholt Rail, we're ensuring that fare-paying passengers benefit from a modern, reliable and comfortable travel experience between Stirling and London.
"The investment in both refurbishment and long-term support reflects our shared ambition to drive innovation and sustainability in rail transport."
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.
New rail services between London and central Scotland are expected to launch in 2026
Meanwhile, the Alstom Transport Technology Centre in Widnes is the UK's largest and most sophisticated centre for train modernisation.
The contract with FirstGroup and Eversholt will support 50 roles across the two sites, alongside many more through Alstom's UK supply chain.
Built by Alstom and previously operated by East Midlands Railway, the five Meridian units are scheduled to re-enter service with Lumo next year, serving passengers between central and southern Scotland and London Euston.
Graham Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer at FirstGroup, said: 'We are pleased to work with Eversholt Rail and Alstom on the rolling stock element of our new service between London and Stirling. This new route is another important step towards rolling out Lumo as a nationwide operator and growing our open access capacity, a key priority for FirstGroup.
"Our investment and capabilities in open access rail have delivered reliable, value for money services, grown rail demand and helped to spur economic growth and connect communities. We look forward to doing the same on our new services."
Stations served will include Stirling, Larbert, Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) Whifflet (serving Coatbridge) Motherwell, Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston, Crewe, Nuneaton, Milton Keynes and London Euston. Of these stations, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert will have their first direct services to London.
Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director at Eversholt Rail, said: 'Eversholt Rail are pleased to be part of this tri-partite collaborative project with FirstGroup and Alstom and we are looking forward to seeing what potential opportunities this new open access service can bring.
"Alstom's ongoing involvement with the Class 222 fleet as the original equipment manufacturer will cement it's pedigree as a high-quality intercity train. The upgraded features will enhance the passenger experience for the journey between London and Stirling."
