Alstom to Refurbish Lumo Trains: £50M UK Rail Deal

News Article: Alstom Awarded Contract to Refurbish and Maintain Lumo Trains

London, United Kingdom – June 4, 2025 – Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has secured a significant contract to refurbish and maintain five trains for FirstGroup’s (a UK-based transport operator) Lumo open access passenger service. This five-year agreement, valued at £50 million ($67.5 million), underscores Alstom’s commitment to providing innovative solutions for the rail industry. The scope encompasses comprehensive maintenance, servicing, overhaul, and cleaning of the Class 222 trains, ensuring a modern and reliable passenger experience. This initiative aims to enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of Lumo’s services between Stirling and London. The project will not only modernize the existing fleet but also contribute to job creation and support Alstom’s UK supply chain. This article will delve into the specifics of the contract, including the services provided, the facilities involved, and the expected outcomes for both Alstom and Lumo.

Fleet Refurbishment and the Scope of Services

The contract encompasses two main components. The first is a Train Services Agreement (TSA) with FirstGroup, valued at approximately £40 million ($54.07 million). This agreement will be executed at Alstom’s Central Rivers facility in Burton upon Trent, a purpose-built depot. Over the five-year period, Alstom will handle the full spectrum of maintenance activities. These include scheduled maintenance, unscheduled repairs, comprehensive overhauls, and routine cleaning of the five Class 222 trains. The Central Rivers facility is equipped with advanced infrastructure designed to optimize train maintenance. Key features include a double-head lathe for wheelset maintenance, multiple maintenance roads to facilitate simultaneous work on different trains, and dedicated areas for specialized repairs, such as HVAC systems and engine servicing. The depot also incorporates an automated vehicle inspection system to ensure the trains meet the highest safety standards, alongside environmentally friendly features such as controlled emission toilet facilities and an automatic intelligent train wash. This comprehensive approach aims to maintain the fleet’s operational readiness and ensure a high level of passenger comfort and safety.

Fleet Modernization and Technological Advancements

The second component, a £10 million ($13.5 million) fleet modernization programme, is being carried out in collaboration with Eversholt Rail, the leasing company for the trains. This program will take place at Alstom’s Transport Technology Centre in Widnes, Cheshire. The modernization initiative focuses on enhancing the passenger experience and improving the environmental performance of the trains. The upgrades include the installation of new ergonomically designed seating to enhance passenger comfort and the provision of upgraded Wi-Fi systems to provide a seamless connectivity experience throughout the journey. Externally, the trains will receive a full repaint to align with Lumo’s branding, creating a consistent visual identity. Furthermore, new CCTV systems will be deployed to enhance passenger safety and security. A key technological advancement is the deployment of Intelligent Engine Start-Stop (IESS) technology. IESS helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by automatically shutting down and restarting the train’s engine when stationary, reducing both fuel consumption and the environmental footprint of the service.

Strategic Locations and Economic Impact

The execution of this contract will bring significant economic benefits, supporting approximately 50 jobs across Alstom’s Central Rivers and Widnes sites. Furthermore, the project will generate additional employment opportunities within Alstom’s UK supply chain, fostering economic growth in the region. The selection of the Central Rivers facility in Burton upon Trent and the Transport Technology Centre in Widnes highlights Alstom’s strategic investment in its UK operations and its commitment to delivering high-quality services from within the country. The geographical spread of the work, with specific focus on these facilities, ensures efficient project management and strengthens Alstom’s position as a key player in the UK rail industry. The deployment of the modernized Class 222 trains will serve several key stations, enhancing connectivity. Stations include Stirling, Larbert, Greenfaulds, Whifflet, Motherwell, Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston, Crewe, Nuneaton, Milton Keynes, and London Euston, providing direct services to London from Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert.

Conclusion

Alstom’s contract with FirstGroup and Eversholt Rail signifies a significant step forward in modernizing and improving passenger rail services in the United Kingdom. The comprehensive scope of work, encompassing both fleet refurbishment and ongoing maintenance, demonstrates Alstom’s capabilities in delivering end-to-end solutions for the rail industry. The strategic use of facilities such as the Central Rivers depot and the Transport Technology Centre in Widnes ensures that the project will be executed efficiently and to the highest standards. The modernization program, with its emphasis on passenger comfort, technological advancements, and environmental sustainability, reflects Alstom’s commitment to providing innovative and future-proof solutions for the rail industry. The investment in IESS technology, alongside improvements to passenger amenities, positions Lumo’s services as competitive in a market focused on efficiency and sustainability. This contract not only benefits the passengers through a superior travel experience but also contributes to economic growth and job creation in the UK. Alstom, FirstGroup, and Eversholt Rail are working collaboratively to establish Lumo as a significant player in the rail industry and increase open access capacity in the UK. This project showcases a successful collaboration between industry leaders, resulting in a more modern and reliable rail network for the benefit of passengers and the environment.

Summary of Companies

• Alstom: A global leader in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, providing a wide range of products and services for the rail industry.
• FirstGroup: A UK-based transport operator that operates various passenger services, including bus and rail, and is committed to providing sustainable and customer-focused services.
• Eversholt Rail: A leading UK rolling stock company, owning and leasing a diverse fleet of passenger trains.
• Lumo: Is a open access passenger service and brand of FirstGroup. It aims to provide sustainable and value-driven rail services.