Major rail deal to boost West Midlands

Rail technology company Bombardier Transportation has signed a contract with Corelink Rail Infrastructure and West Midlands Trains, to supply 333 new Bombardier Aventra trains.

These vehicles will be used throughout the West Midlands and bombardier will provide maintenance and support services contract.

Corelink Rail Infrastructure is a joint venture between Deutsche Asset Management and Infracapital, and West Midlands Trains is a joint venture consisting of Abellio UK, East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

The overall value of the rolling stock and maintenance contracts are valued at approximately £542 million.

The maintenance contract will run for the duration of the franchise with an option to extend in line with any franchise extensions.

Dominic Booth, MD of Abellio UK, said: “This is all part of the £1 billion investment we’re bringing to the West Midlands franchise. Customers will enjoy new trains and upgraded stations, along with a whole host of other benefits.

“At Abellio we’re committed to supporting the communities in which we operate as much as possible and getting these trains produced in the Midlands is a key part of this.”

Richard Hunter, UK Managing Director, Bombardier Transportation, continued: “Our modern Aventra trains will be built in the Midlands for the Midlands, and will transform the travel experience for passengers on the new West Midlands Trains franchise by delivering more reliability, shorter journey times, and an exceptional travel experience through enhanced interior design.”

Bombardier will produce and maintain 333 electric carriages, made up of 36 90mph three- car trains for metro services and 45 110mph five-car trains for outer suburban and long distance configurations.

Built at Bombardier’s facility in Derby, the Aventra product family platform has the flexibility to meet several market segment needs and complements the fleets that have already been ordered for Transport for London’s Elizabeth line (Crossrail), London Overground’s LOTrain, and the South Western Railway and Greater Anglia franchises.