Alstom awarded £12 million overhaul contract for ScotRail trains

Credit: Alstom

Alstom has been awarded a £12 million contract to carry out mileage-based modernisation on ScotRail’s Class 334 fleet of 40 trains that serve the Edinburgh to Glasgow line. The contract was placed by Eversholt Rail who lease the trains to ScotRail. The Class 334 trains were originally built by Alstom for ScotRail and entered service in 2001.

The modernisation work

The scope of work under the new contract includes the overhaul of pneumatic and electrical components such as auto couplers, gangways, batteries, underframe air valves, toilets and heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) in the drivers’ cabs.

This work builds on the previous modernisation performed by Alstom from 2015 to upgrade the passenger experience for Scottish passengers, by retrofitting full air conditioning, at-seat charging points and wi-fi throughout the trains as well as adding CCTV for driver only trains to help with passenger security.

“Alstom has a proud history of supporting Scotland’s rail network,” Peter Broadley, Managing Director of Services at Alstom UK & Ireland, said. “We’re pleased to once again be able to overhaul the Class 334 fleet, providing ScotRail’s current and future passengers on the Edinburgh to Glasgow line with an improved rail experience.”

Alstom beginning the project

This new overhaul project is due to commence in January 2024 at Alstom’s Polmadie Depot in Glasgow. Alstom has 109 Scottish employees based at Polmadie where the company delivers maintenance and support to the iconic West Coast Mainline Pendolino’s Caledonian Sleeper, as well as day-to-day maintenance of the Class 334 trains.

Alstom is also working closely with Network Rail on the upgrading of Scotland’s signalling infrastructure.