Alstom upgrades GTR trains for the London to Cambridge route

The Alstom company has signed a new contract with the GTR operator, allocating £24.5 million. The agreement aims to restore the operation of 30 trains of the 379 Electrostar series. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Alstom signed a contract with GTR for train maintenance

In October 2022, Alstom signed an agreement with GTR to provide support for Electrostar trains. The contract included technical maintenance and the supply of spare parts for the 377 and 387 series trains.

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The 379-series trains were built between 2010 and 2011 and later leased. The manufacturer, Bombardier Transportation, became part of Alstom in early 2021.

The Greater Anglia operator previously used these trains, leased through the leasing company Akiem. In March 2024, Porterbrook acquired the trains and subsequently leased them to GTR.

Alstom will implement new technologies for train maintenance

The company will provide technical support for the trains, ensuring their safe operation. The trains will resume service between King’s Cross, Cambridge, Peterborough, and King’s Lynn.

Starting from February 10, 2025, two coupled trains will operate on the London – Letchworth Garden City route. They will be part of the line leading to Peterborough.

GTR will use the HealthHub cloud platform for the first time, collecting real-time train data. This system is designed for analyzing train operational parameters.

The system collects over 200 parameters every 30 seconds, including speed and air temperature. It also tracks GPS coordinates, improving route monitoring.

Staff will receive alerts if any deviations from standard operating parameters are detected. This will help prevent potential failures and reduce risks in real time.

The maintenance of the trains will be carried out by Alstom specialists in existing technical centers. Specifically, the train bogie and traction motor repair center in Crewe will be involved.

This competence center is also responsible for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The equipment is maintained to ensure the stable operation of GTR trains.

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