Alstom Transport UK secures Class 334 electric train overhaul contract

Alstom Transport UK has secured a new contract from train leasing company Eversholt Rail to carry out a mileage-based overhaul of 40 Class 334 electric trains.

The £12.4m contract involves overhauling the bogies, electrical sub-systems, and other mechanical and pneumatic underframe component renovations.

These three-car electric multiple-units are operated by ScotRail. The work is expected to improve passenger comfort and reliability of services.

Eversholt Rail stakeholder director Steve Timothy said: “This contract continues to build on our strong relationship with Alstom and ScotRail.  We have invested significantly in enhancing our Class 334 fleet and this heavy maintenance programme will ensure that the units continue to provide reliable and cost-effective services for Scotland.”

The maintenance programme is slated to begin in October next year at Alstom’s Polmadie Depot in Glasgow and Longsight Depot near Manchester.

Alstom UK & Ireland managing director Nick Crossfield said: “Alstom’s partnership with Eversholt Rail is about more than just hydrogen trains.

“Our teams in Glasgow and Manchester are some of the most experienced train maintenance experts in the country and we’re excited to be entrusted with improving the ‘Juniper’ trains for all the passengers that use them.”

Notably, Alstom and Eversholt Rail are also engaged in the development of hydrogen train technology.

In July, the two companies agreed to accelerate the development programme with an additional £1m investment.

Alstom and Eversholt Rail aim to deploy their Breeze hydrogen train concept for service by 2024.