Alstom’s £75M GWR Deal: Class 175 Reintroduction & Toronto Subway

Introduction

Alstom has secured a £75 million contract with Great Western Railway (GWR) to reintroduce Class 175 trains, which will be the first in the GWR fleet to utilize Alstom’s HealthHub digital solution. This agreement includes ongoing maintenance support from GWR’s Laira depot in Plymouth, as well as a separate contract for new Line 2 subway trains with the Toronto Transit Commission.

Contract Details and Scope

Alstom has entered an eight-year Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement with GWR for the reintroduction of 26 Class 175 trains to enhance rail services across South West England. The agreement, valued at approximately £75m ($101.1m), includes Alstom providing ongoing maintenance support from GWR’s Laira depot in Plymouth. The deal sustains more than 15 roles at the depot and bolsters employment within Alstom’s supply chain.

Fleet Reintroduction and Routes

The Class 175 diesel multiple units, built by Alstom from 1999 to 2001 in Birmingham, are set to re-enter passenger service later this year after recommissioning and driver training. Angel Trains owns the fleet, which will primarily serve key regional routes, including the Exeter St Davids to Penzance and Barnstaple to Okehampton routes. Previously operated by Transport for Wales until 2024, GWR took over the lease for the Class 175 fleet in March. These trains, configurable in four, five, and six-car formations, will replace some of GWR’s oldest diesel trains, enhancing reliability, efficiency, and passenger comfort.

Digital Solution Implementation

The Class 175 trains will also be the first in the GWR fleet to utilize Alstom’s HealthHub digital solution, which employs condition-based and predictive maintenance. This innovative system processes data on over 200 parameters every 30 seconds, from train speed to carriage temperature, facilitating real-time monitoring and proactive incident prevention.

Additional Contract: Toronto Subway Trains

In related news, the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Toronto have authorized the Toronto Transit Commission to negotiate a single-source contract with Alstom Transport Canada for new Line 2 subway trains. This strategic move addresses US tariffs and economic uncertainties, aiming to secure Canadian jobs and ensure the delivery of reliable trains for Toronto’s commuters.

Conclusion

Alstom is partnering with GWR and Angel Trains to bring the Class 175 fleet back into service with an agreement valued at approximately £75m ($101.1m). GWR is also introducing Alstom’s HealthHub digital solution. In addition, Alstom is set to negotiate a contract for new Line 2 subway trains with the Toronto Transit Commission.

Company Summary

Alstom: The original manufacturer and long-standing maintainer of Class 175 trains. Alstom will provide ongoing maintenance support to Great Western Railway (GWR) from GWR’s Laira depot in Plymouth. Also, Alstom Transport Canada is set to negotiate a contract for new Line 2 subway trains with the Toronto Transit Commission.

Great Western Railway (GWR): GWR took over the lease for the Class 175 fleet in March. GWR is partnering with Alstom and Angel Trains to reintroduce the Class 175 fleet and will be the first in the GWR fleet to utilize Alstom’s HealthHub digital solution.

Angel Trains: Owns the Class 175 fleet, which will primarily serve key regional routes. Angel Trains is partnering with GWR and Alstom.

Toronto Transit Commission: The Toronto Transit Commission has authorized the negotiation of a single-source contract with Alstom Transport Canada for new Line 2 subway trains.

Technology

HealthHub: Alstom’s digital solution that employs condition-based and predictive maintenance, processing data on over 200 parameters every 30 seconds to facilitate real-time monitoring and proactive incident prevention.