UK: Alstom Expands Technical Support and Spares Supply Contract with GTR

Alstom has confirmed a 24.5 million GBP contract variation with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to support the reactivation of 30 Class 379 trains.

The agreement expands the existing Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA) and will see the reintroduced Electrostar fleet operating on Great Northern services between London King’s Cross, Cambridge, Peterborough, and King’s Lynn

This fleet was acquired by Porterbrook from Akiem in March 2024. Under the revised contract, Alstom has provided engineering and on-train technical support to ensure timely reintroduction. The reactivation reflects increased confidence in rail travel and a focus on service reliability.

The Class 379 units will also be the first GTR fleet to incorporate Alstom’s HealthHub platform. This web-based system captures real-time operational data every 30 seconds from over 200 parameters, including speed, temperature, and GPS location, supporting predictive maintenance and incident prevention.

Peter Broadley, Commercial Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, said:

As part of our ongoing commitment to smart and sustainable rail solutions, Alstom is delighted to support the reactivation of the Class 379 fleet. This project exemplifies the importance of collaboration within the rail industry to enhance capacity and experience for the fare-paying passenger, while optimising the use of existing assets.

The first reintroduced units (379002 and 379022) entered service on 10 February, initially deployed on Great Northern routes to and from Letchworth Garden City. The contract has also led to job creation at Alstom sites, including Crewe Works, responsible for overhauling the Class 379 bogies and HVAC units.

Steve Lammin, Engineering Director at GTR, said:

These extra trains we have started to bring into service are a real demonstration of GTR working with partners across the rail industry to give passengers extra services and better journeys.

The original TSSSA was signed in October 2022 for approximately 256 million GBP, covering Alstom’s support for Class 377 and Class 387 Electrostar fleets operating on Southern, Gatwick Express, and Great Northern services.

Alstom has worked with GTR for over 20 years, providing maintenance support through a dedicated team across Brighton, Battersea, Hornsey, and Selhurst depots. The company continues to manage a fleet of 1,342 cars, ensuring availability, reliability, and safety on key commuter routes.

The 30 Class 379 electric multiple units were originally built at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between 2010 and 2011. They previously operated between London Liverpool Street and King’s Lynn via Stansted Airport and Cambridge before withdrawal in 2022. Under GTR, they will be maintained at the Hornsey depot.