Alstom Upgrades: Future of Rail, Class 222 Trains for Lumo Route

Alstom to Upgrade Class 222 Trains for Lumo’s Stirling-London Route

In a move set to enhance passenger experience and connectivity on the rails, Alstom has secured a £50 million (€59 million) contract to upgrade and maintain five Class 222 trains. This significant undertaking supports the launch of FirstGroup’s Lumo open access service, connecting Stirling, Scotland, with London Euston. The contract, announced on June 6, 2025, highlights a collaborative effort between Alstom, FirstGroup, and Eversholt Rail. This news article delves into the specifics of the agreement, examining the scope of the upgrades, the involved parties, the route’s anticipated benefits, and the implications for the UK rail industry. This project focuses on modernizing existing rolling stock to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency for the new service.

Modernization and Maintenance: A Detailed Look

The contract comprises two main components: a £40 million (€47.5 million) Train Services Agreement with FirstGroup and a £10 million (€12 million) fleet modernization agreement with Eversholt Rail. The Train Services Agreement will be executed at Alstom’s Central Rivers depot in Burton upon Trent, where the trains will undergo a comprehensive five-year maintenance, overhaul, servicing, and cleaning program. Alstom’s Central Rivers facility boasts advanced maintenance infrastructure, including a double-head lathe, nine maintenance roads, and HVAC capabilities. The fleet modernization element will take place at Alstom’s Widnes Transport Technology Centre. This site, the UK’s largest train modernization centre, is pivotal for extensive refurbishment projects. The project ensures job security for 50 employees across both sites and bolsters the Alstom UK supply chain. These actions will modernize a fleet of trains, readying them for a new era of service.

Enhanced Passenger Experience and Technological Advancements

The refurbishment program is designed to significantly elevate the passenger experience. The Class 222 trains will receive new ergonomic seating, upgraded passenger Wi-Fi, and full exterior repainting in Lumo branding. Furthermore, the trains will be equipped with advanced CCTV systems for improved security and safety, and Intelligent Engine Start-Stop (IESS) technology, which enhances fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off engines when stationary. These upgrades showcase a commitment to providing a more comfortable, connected, and environmentally conscious travel experience. The implementation of these new systems underlines the industry’s drive to integrate cutting-edge technology for improved performance and sustainability.

Route and Service Details: Connecting Scotland and London

The refurbished Class 222 trains, originally part of the Voyager family and previously operated as Meridian trains by East Midlands Railway, are set to return to service with Lumo next year. The new route will connect central and southern Scotland with London Euston, serving key stations including Stirling, Larbert, Greenfaulds, Whifflet, Motherwell, Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston, Crewe, Nuneaton, and Milton Keynes. Notably, three of these stations will gain their first direct rail connection to London. The route is expected to offer passengers a convenient and efficient travel option, contributing to improved connectivity between the regions. This expansion aligns with FirstGroup’s strategy to establish Lumo as a national open access operator.

Industry Perspectives and Stakeholder Benefits

The project highlights the strategic collaboration between Alstom, FirstGroup, and Eversholt Rail. Peter Broadley, Commercial Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, emphasized the importance of this partnership in delivering customer-focused rail services. Graham Sutherland, CEO at FirstGroup, views this as a crucial step in expanding Lumo’s nationwide presence, while Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director at Eversholt Rail, underscored the enhanced passenger experience that the upgraded trains will offer. The agreement serves as a prime example of how industry players are working together to deliver excellent services to passengers.

Conclusion

Alstom’s contract to upgrade and maintain the Class 222 trains for Lumo represents a significant investment in improving rail services between Scotland and London. This initiative signifies a strong commitment to passenger comfort, technological integration, and operational efficiency. The comprehensive refurbishment plan, including new seating, upgraded Wi-Fi, and the implementation of IESS, positions the Lumo service to meet the evolving needs of modern rail travelers. The project further underscores the importance of collaborative partnerships within the rail industry, driving innovation and delivering improved services. The successful launch of this route will serve as a model for future open access services and demonstrate the potential of modernizing existing rolling stock to enhance overall rail network performance. This endeavor supports job creation and contributes to the advancement of a more sustainable, customer-centric railway network for years to come.

Company Summary

Alstom: Alstom is a global leader in the rail transport sector, delivering a wide range of products and services, including rolling stock, signaling, and infrastructure. Their expertise extends to train modernization and maintenance, as exemplified by this contract. Alstom’s commitment to technological innovation and customer satisfaction ensures that they stay at the forefront of the rail industry, providing sustainable mobility solutions worldwide.

FirstGroup: FirstGroup is a leading transport operator in the UK, with a significant presence in rail. Under the Lumo brand, FirstGroup operates open access services, focusing on providing a competitive and customer-focused alternative to existing rail options.

Eversholt Rail: Eversholt Rail is a leading UK rolling stock company, managing a large fleet of passenger trains. They work with train operating companies to modernize and maintain rail vehicles, ensuring the continued delivery of safe, reliable, and comfortable passenger services.