Great Western Railway Signs £75 Million Deal with Alstom for New Trains

Great Western Railway (GWR) has finalized a significant maintenance agreement worth £75 million with the French transportation systems company Alstom. This eight-year contract will facilitate the introduction of the Class 175 train fleet across the South West of England. The new fleet, consisting of 26 trains, aims to replace older rolling stock, thereby reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.

Under this agreement, Alstom will provide ongoing maintenance from GWR’s Laira depot in Plymouth, supporting more than 15 direct jobs. GWR anticipates that the first Class 175 trains will commence passenger service later in 2024, following necessary recommissioning and driver training.

Enhancing Regional Services

The Class 175 trains, which are owned by Angel Trains, are expected to primarily service key regional routes, including connections between Exeter St Davids, Penzance, Barnstaple, and Okehampton. “We are delighted to be partnering with Great Western Railway and Angel Trains to bring the Class 175 fleet back into service,” stated Peter Broadley, Business Development Director at Alstom. He emphasized the company’s experience as the original manufacturer of these trains, positioning them well to ensure a smooth reintroduction and ongoing reliability.

The Class 175 diesel multiple units (DMUs) were constructed by Alstom between 1999 and 2001 in Birmingham. Previously operated by Transport for Wales until earlier this year, GWR signed the lease for the fleet in March 2024.

Commitment to Sustainability

Dr. Simon Green, Engineering Director for Great Western Railway, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Alstom. “We are really pleased to reach an agreement with Alstom to support this major investment in our train fleet,” he commented. The introduction of the Class 175 trains is viewed as a crucial step in rejuvenating GWR’s regional and suburban services.

The fleet’s ability to operate in formations of four, five, and six cars will enhance GWR’s capacity while allowing for the retirement of some of the oldest and least efficient diesel trains currently in service. This initiative aligns with GWR’s broader strategy to modernize its operations and move towards decarbonisation.

David Jordan, Chief Operating Officer at Angel Trains, added, “The Class 175 fleet will provide additional capacity and improved reliability that will benefit customers across the network.” This investment not only aims to boost service quality but also underscores GWR’s commitment to fostering sustainable public transport solutions.

As GWR prepares for the deployment of the Class 175 fleet, stakeholders and passengers alike look forward to the enhanced travel experience that this new partnership promises to deliver.