South Western Railway Awards £66m EMU Support and Spares Contract
UK: South Western Railway (SWR) has signed a 4½-year Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement with Alstom for its Class 701 Arterio electric multiple-units. The £66 million contract was announced on November 5, 2025.
This agreement covers 24/7 technical support for 60 ten-car and 30 five-car trains owned by Rock Rail, which are being gradually introduced on London's suburban routes from Waterloo station.
Contract Details and Support Team
- Alstom will deploy nearly 40 staff at SWR’s Wimbledon Traincare Depot and Network Rail’s Basingstoke Rail Operations Centre.
- The company will also provide spares for both heavy and light maintenance activities.
- A team of five engineers will focus on data capture and analysis from in-service trains to enable predictive maintenance and enhance performance.
Alstom’s Statement
“This new agreement with South Western Railway marks a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership. We’re proud to continue supporting the Arterio fleet with our technical expertise and predictive maintenance capabilities,” said Steven Harvey, Services Director UK & Ireland at Alstom.
“Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring these Alstom-built trains deliver the highest standards of performance and reliability for fare-paying passengers.”
Summary
This partnership strengthens SWR's suburban rail services by ensuring sustained technical support and innovative maintenance for the new Class 701 fleet.
Author's summary: South Western Railway’s £66m contract with Alstom secures ongoing support and predictive maintenance for its new Class 701 electric trains, enhancing reliability and service for London commuters.