ScotRail awards 17.7 million Euro contract to Bombardier

ScotRail has awarded a three-year contract worth 17.7million Euro to Bombardier Transportation.

The contract extends an existing agreement to 9 November 2014 and covers operational support and spare supply for ScotRail’s Class 170 Turbostar fleet.

The fleet – some 177 vehicles in total – is best known for services on the Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley route and also for linking both cities and the Central Belt of Scotland to Aberdeen and Inverness.

The contract provides for the supply of planned materials in support of the fleet, backed by an availability and reliability performance regime. Bogie overhauls will be supplied via Bombardier’s Crewe CRO facility which has just celebrated the 2000th consecutive on time bogie delivery to external customers.

Des McKeon, Commercial Director, Services, Bombardier Transportation, said: “This is a significant win for Bombardier as it maintains our involvement in the maintenance of ScotRail’s Turbostar fleet and builds on the diverse portfolio of contracts Bombardier has with FirstGroup, one of our key strategic customers.”

Kenny Scott, ScotRail’s Engineering Director, welcomed the agreement extension. He said: “This contract underpins our continued investment in trains to meet the increasing demand for rail transport.

“We welcome the extension of our agreement with Bombardier, with maintenance of the Class 170 Turbostar fleet playing a key role in our drive to encourage people to choose public transport over using their cars.”

Ian Grindlay, FirstGroup’s Procurement and Supplier Management Director, added: “We are pleased to make this award and continue the strategic relationship between FirstGroup and Bombardier. It provides continuity of supply and will further improve reliability for customers.”

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “An efficient railway is key to the Scottish Government’s purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth.

“Our aim is to develop passenger-focused rail services and the maintenance of fleet is an important part of ensuring passengers have a positive journey experience as they travel between Scotland’s key cities.

“This contract will not only help drive up standards for rail passengers but also benefit Scotland by supporting jobs during these challenging economic times.”