Alstom has finalized a €430 million agreement to supply 10 additional nine-car Aventra trains to Transport for London (TfL) for the Elizabeth line. This contract also encompasses maintenance services extending to 2046, aiming to accommodate the rising passenger demand projected over the coming decades.
The Elizabeth line, inaugurated in 2022, has seen higher-than-expected passenger volumes, necessitating the expansion of its fleet. The current fleet of 70 Aventra Class 345 trains, all constructed by Alstom, is anticipated to fall short of future requirements. To address this, Alstom's UK facility in Derby, renowned for its comprehensive design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities, will produce the new units.
Derby has been a continuous hub of train manufacturing since 1839, and this facility remains pivotal to Alstom’s operations both for domestic needs and exports.
Funding for the new trains includes £220.5 million from the Department for Transport, complemented by TfL's commitment to a long-term maintenance contract. This ensures the new units will be kept in optimal condition well into the 2040s.
The extension of the fleet comes as TfL prepares for the future, aiming to maintain service reliability and meet the growing demand on one of London's most crucial transit arteries. With the Derby plant's expertise and historical significance in train manufacturing, Alstom stands ready to deliver on this contract, reinforcing the importance of its UK operations.
