Alstom Expands Rail Support Contract with Govia Thameslink Railway

Alstom has secured a £24.5M contract extension with GTR, providing essential technical support. This agreement strengthens operational efficiency and enhances service reliability for Class 379 trains. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Alstom Enhances Great Northern Fleet with Class 379 Trains

The extended contract supports the reactivation of the Electrostar fleet on Great Northern services. These trains now operate between London King’s Cross, Cambridge, Peterborough, and King’s Lynn, improving passenger connectivity.

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Porterbrook acquired the fleet from Akiem in March 2024, optimizing existing rail assets. Alstom provides engineering expertise and on-train assistance, ensuring seamless reintroduction into service.

This initiative reflects increasing demand for rail travel and prioritizes network efficiency. Improved fleet management enhances reliability while maximizing service availability across commuter routes.

Alstom Introduces Advanced Predictive Maintenance Solutions

The Class 379 trains will integrate Alstom’s HealthHub, an innovative data-driven maintenance system. This web-based platform analyzes over 200 parameters every 30 seconds to prevent failures.

HealthHub collects real-time data on speed, temperature, and GPS location, improving predictive maintenance. By identifying potential issues early, the system enhances passenger safety and operational efficiency.

Peter Broadley, Alstom’s Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland, highlighted the industry collaboration. He emphasized the role of innovation in enhancing rail capacity and passenger experiences.

This contract reinforces sustainable rail solutions, ensuring optimized asset utilization and long-term efficiency. Alstom remains committed to supporting smart and eco-friendly transport solutions.

The first reactivated units, 379002 and 379022, entered service on February 10. These trains now operate on Great Northern routes, ensuring improved service dependability.

This agreement has also contributed to job creation at Alstom’s UK facilities. The Crewe Works team plays a vital role in refurbishing Class 379 bogies and HVAC systems.

Steve Lammin, Engineering Director at GTR, praised the collaborative effort behind the fleet expansion. He stressed the importance of teamwork in delivering enhanced services for passengers.

Originally, Alstom and GTR signed the TSSSA in October 2022 to support fleet operations. The £256M agreement covered maintenance for Class 377 and Class 387 Electrostar trains.

Alstom has worked with GTR for over 20 years, ensuring fleet reliability. Teams across Brighton, Battersea, Hornsey, and Selhurst depots provide dedicated maintenance support.

Currently managing 1,342 train cars, Alstom prioritizes safety and efficiency across commuter routes. Continuous improvements in service optimization ensure smoother travel experiences for passengers.

The 30 Class 379 units were originally built at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works. These trains initially served London Liverpool Street to King’s Lynn via Stansted Airport.

Withdrawn in 2022, the Class 379 trains now return under GTR’s expansion strategy. The Hornsey depot will oversee maintenance, ensuring long-term performance and service reliability.

Alstom’s contract extension underscores its leadership in rail innovation across the UK. This strategic partnership enhances sustainability while supporting national transport infrastructure.

Source: railway-news.com

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