Train manufacturer lands £825m contract extension

Alstom has landed an £825 million contract extension, which will see it continue to service a fleet operated by CrossCountry.

The eight-year extension will see Alstom, which has its UK train-making site in Derby, continue to maintain, overhaul, service and clean 252 Cross Country vehicles.

The fleet, which consists of 34 Class 220 Voyagers and 24 Class 221 Super Voyagers, will be serviced at Alstom’s primary depot at Central Rivers, in Burton.

In addition, seven Voyagers will move to CrossCountry when they are released from service with Avanti West Coast to bolster the CrossCountry fleet and enable service uplifts.

The fleet will also be installed with an Intelligent Engine Stop Start (IESS) system, which aims to drive a reduction in fuel usage, emissions, and operational costs.

Nick Crossfield, Alstom’s managing director for the UK & Ireland, said: “We have worked in close partnership since 2007, providing reliable, well-presented, and safe trains for all CrossCountry’s customers.

“We look forward to working with our colleagues at CrossCountry to help them deliver a high-quality train service for the next eight years.”

Tom Joyner, managing director at CrossCountry, said: “We’re delighted to continue our relationship with Alstom as we embark on our National Rail Contract.

“Improving the onboard experience is critical to ensuring our customers view us as a long-distance operator of choice and we look forward to working closely with Alstom in the years ahead to deliver these improvements.”