Trains to be refurbed for Nuneaton route
Alstom secures £50 million contract to enhance and service Class 222 trains for new Nuneaton route
lstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable travel, has signed a £50 million contract in partnership with FirstGroup and Eversholt Rail for the refresh and maintenance of five, six-car Class 222 Meridian trains. This comes ahead of open access passenger services being launched between Stirling and London.
The contract comprises two key components which includes a Train Services Agreement (TSA) with FirstGroup – valued at approximately £40 million – to be delivered at Alstom’s Central Rivers facility. Alstom maintains over 35,500 vehicles worldwide and is a trusted partner for servicing both Alstom and non-Alstom rail assets.
In addition, the contract includes a fleet modernisation programme with Eversholt Rail – worth around £10 million – 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 - improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Peter Broadley, Commercial Director UK and Ireland at Alstom had this to say:
“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."
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. 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.