Bombardier Transportation has signed a contract with National Express Group to provide maintenance for the new Essex Thameside franchise.

Bombardier to perform maintenance on National Express Groups fleet of ELECTROSTAR trains

The contract, which is for a ten-year period with the option to extend another 5 years, covers maintenance and spare parts on 74 four-car Class 357 ELECTROSTAR trains and is valued at approximately  US$213 million.

Bombardier Transportation is fully aligned in terms of driving improved fleet performance in support of National Express commitment to deliver excellent levels of service to its customers, says Andrew Chivers, Managing Director Rail, National Express Group.

Bombardier Transportation’s approach to this new maintenance contract includes a number of initiatives designed to provide effective support and improve fleet performance. Aligned with National Express Group’s franchise performance and operational commitments, the new contract contains an incentivised performance regime and incorporates Bombardier’s Automatic Vehicle Inspection System (AVI System).

We’re pleased to have been awarded this key maintenance contract, which offers an innovative approach that includes the introduction of our Automatic Vehicle Inspection System, says Per Allmer, President, Western Europe, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Transportation. Together with control-room technicians, the AVI System will enhance National Express’ fleet performance and support their franchise commitments.

With a strong fleet service track record in the UK, Bombardier Transportation already maintains fleets for National Express Group, East Midlands Trains as well as for Cross Country’s Voyager fleet, for which Bombardier has won a prestigious UK rail industry award, five years in a row, in recognition of the Voyager fleet’s reliability performance.

For more information, visit www.bombardier.com.