Great Western Railway Secures £75M Deal with Alstom for New Trains

Great Western Railway (GWR) has finalized a significant maintenance agreement worth £75 million with the French transport systems company Alstom. This eight-year contract aims to support the introduction of the Class 175 trains, which will enhance services across the South West of England. The new fleet, comprising 26 trains, is set to replace older models, leading to both cost savings and reduced environmental impact.

Under the terms of the deal, Alstom will manage ongoing maintenance services from GWR’s Laira depot located in Plymouth. The initial trains are anticipated to enter passenger service later this year, following necessary recommissioning and driver training. The Class 175 trains, which are owned by Angel Trains, will primarily operate on key regional routes, connecting destinations such as Exeter St Davids, Penzance, Barnstaple, and Okehampton.

Strengthening Regional Services

Peter Broadley, the business development director at Alstom, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to be partnering with Great Western Railway and Angel Trains to bring the Class 175 fleet back into service. With our extensive expertise as the original manufacturer and long-standing maintainer of these trains, we are well placed to ensure their smooth reintroduction and continued reliability.”

The Class 175 diesel multiple units (DMUs) were manufactured by Alstom in Birmingham between 1999 and 2001. Previously utilized by Transport for Wales until 2024, GWR signed the lease for this fleet in March 2024. Dr. Simon Green, engineering director for Great Western Railway, commented on the agreement, saying, “We are really pleased to be able to reach an agreement with Alstom to support this major investment in our train fleet. The Class 175 are a welcome addition to the GWR train fleet and will provide a tangible boost as we seek to rejuvenate our regional and suburban services.”

The Class 175s can be configured into four, five, and six-car formations. Their introduction will not only enhance the GWR fleet but will also facilitate the retirement of some of the oldest and least efficient diesel trains in operation. This initiative aligns with GWR’s broader goal of rejuvenating its regional and suburban services while laying the groundwork for future decarbonisation.

Benefits for Passengers

David Jordan, chief operating officer at Angel Trains, emphasized the positive impact of the new fleet, stating, “The Class 175 fleet will provide additional capacity and improved reliability that will benefit customers across the network.” With these advancements, GWR aims to elevate the travel experience for its passengers, ensuring that services are both efficient and environmentally friendly.

As GWR progresses with this substantial investment, the collaboration with Alstom highlights a significant step towards modernizing rail transport in the South West, promising enhanced services and a greener future for regional rail travel.