Alstom has signed a long-term Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA) with ScotRail Trains Limited, covering the operation, maintenance and refurbishment of its Class 222 fleet.
The 10-year agreement, valued at approximately £250 million, will run until March 2036, with an option to extend to 2042. It will see Alstom provide technical support and parts supply for 22 five-car trains, alongside a major upgrade programme aimed at improving reliability, passenger experience and onboard systems.
Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, said:
“This agreement represents a significant vote of confidence in Alstom’s ability to support reliable, high-quality rail services across Scotland. The Class 222 fleet has a strong service history, and through this comprehensive programme of technical support, refurbishment and heavy maintenance, we will help to ensure these trains continue to deliver a safe, comfortable and dependable experience for passengers for many years to come.
“This investment also underlines our commitment to sustaining skilled jobs, developing engineering capability and supporting the UK rail supply chain as the industry continues its transition to a more sustainable railway.”
Major refurbishment and technology upgrades
As part of the programme, Alstom will deliver a comprehensive interior and exterior refresh, including new seating, tables, carpets, LED lighting and upgraded driver cabs. Toilets will also be refurbished, with reconfiguration work to improve luggage space, cycle provision and accessibility.
The refurbishment element, delivered in partnership with Beacon Rail, is valued at around £80 million.
The trains will also benefit from a suite of onboard technology upgrades, including:
- New passenger information systems and saloon media screens
- Hearing aid announcement systems
- Automatic passenger counting
- Upgraded CCTV and WiFi connectivity
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures
- Intelligent stop/start systems
Defibrillators will be installed across the fleet as part of wider safety improvements.
Supporting long-term fleet performance
Maintenance and support activities will be delivered across multiple locations, including Polmadie, Haymarket and Inverness, with Alstom providing engineering teams, spares management, specialist tooling and data services.
The agreement also includes “train the trainer” programmes to support both driver training and ongoing maintenance capability.
The contract forms part of a broader partnership with Beacon Rail, covering heavy maintenance, refurbishment and storage of the fleet as it transitions into service in Scotland.
Joanne Maguire, Managing Director at ScotRail, said:
“This is fantastic news for our customers and our staff, as we continue to work towards delivering a safe, green, and reliable railway.
“More modern trains are a significant factor in encouraging more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail, and this investment will deliver a considerable improvement in the journey experience.
“Introducing fully refurbished trains ensures customers will see immediate benefits, with enhancements in comfort, accessibility, and reliability.
“We are looking forward to working with our partners and the Scottish Government in the coming weeks and months as we begin the refurbishment programme and get set to welcome the new trains.”
Adam Cunliffe, Chief Executive Officer at Beacon, added:
“We are delighted to have awarded this contract to Alstom to refurbish our Class 222 fleet, to support ScotRail delivering high-quality, high-speed services for their customers.
Working in partnership with ScotRail and Alstom on the upgrade programme for these trains will enhance the on-board experience for passengers across Scotland. We look forward to seeing the refurbished trains enter service.”
Focus on sustainability and long-term value
The programme aligns with both Alstom’s sustainability strategy and ScotRail’s wider environmental and operational goals, with a focus on reducing carbon, supporting inclusive growth and improving passenger wellbeing.
Performance will be monitored against agreed sustainability targets, with oversight from senior leadership and independent verification against recognised standards.
The agreement further strengthens Alstom’s position in the UK market for long-term rolling stock services, combining engineering capability, digital systems and lifecycle support to help operators maximise fleet performance.
