Alstom Secures GBP 250 Million Class 222 ScotRail Contract

GLASGOW, UK – Alstom, ScotRail, and rolling stock owner Beacon Rail have finalized a Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement valued at approximately GBP 250 million. The 10-year contract covers the 22 five-car Class 222 diesel-electric multiple units set to be transferred to the Scottish network. A separate GBP 80 million contract, part of the wider package, will fund a comprehensive refurbishment and modernization program for the fleet.

What Does This Contract Cover?

The agreement encompasses long-term technical support, spare parts management, and heavy maintenance for the Class 222 fleet until March 2036, with an extension option to 2042. The integrated GBP 80 million refurbishment component includes full interior and exterior upgrades, new seating, LED lighting, enhanced accessibility, and modernised passenger information and WiFi systems. Alstom will also implement technical upgrades such as intelligent stop/start functionality and provide staff training at facilities in Polmadie, Haymarket, and Inverness.

Key Contract Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?

The refurbishment portion of this contract (£80 million) equates to approximately £3.64 million per five-car train. For comparison, Alstom’s ongoing project to refurbish Avanti West Coast’s 56-strong fleet of 11-car Class 390 Pendolino trains was valued at £642 million, equating to a significantly higher £11.5 million per train, reflecting a more extensive overhaul for an older, electric fleet (Source: Alstom, 2021). This Class 222 agreement is part of a wider UK rail trend of cascading diesel fleets from one operator to another as new bi-mode trains are introduced on core intercity lines. The specific entry-into-service date for the first refurbished ScotRail unit was not disclosed.

Editor’s Analysis

This contract solidifies Alstom’s aftermarket dominance in the UK and highlights a key industry strategy: cascading and life-extending diesel fleets to improve services on non-electrified routes. The transfer of the Class 222 units from East Midlands Railway (EMR) to ScotRail is a direct consequence of the introduction of new Hitachi-built Class 810 ‘Aurora’ trains on the Midland Main Line. This move avoids the cost of new rolling stock for Scotland while upgrading passenger experience, aligning with the UK’s broader strategy of long-term investment in regional rail networks, as seen in projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail (Source: Department for Transport, 2026).

FAQ

Q: Why are these Class 222 trains moving to Scotland?
A: The Class 222 “Meridian” units are being replaced on the East Midlands Railway network by new Hitachi Class 810 “Aurora” bi-mode trains. This “cascade” allows the relatively modern diesel fleet to be redeployed to enhance ScotRail’s inter-city services.

Q: What is the total cost per train for the refurbishment?
A: The refurbishment program is valued at approximately GBP 80 million for the 22 trains. This breaks down to an average cost of around GBP 3.64 million per five-car unit.

Q: When will the refurbished trains enter service with ScotRail?
A: The primary source states the support contract runs until March 2036, but an exact date for the entry into service of the first refurbished train has not been officially disclosed. The agreement includes preparatory “train the trainer” programs to support the fleet’s introduction.