METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Bombardier wins major UK rail, maintenance contract

In addition, the company will execute a Technical Services and Spares Supply Agreement for the duration of the seven-year franchise, with an option to extend for 11 periods in line with the existing franchise extension option.

June 20, 2017
Bombardier wins major UK rail, maintenance contract

Bombardier's new Aventra electric multiple unit will transform the passenger experience with features including wide-open gangways between carriages, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, 2 + 2 seating, USB sockets at seat locations, universal toilets, and improved passenger information system.

1 min to read


Bombardier's new Aventra electric multiple unit will transform the passenger experience with features including wide-open gangways between carriages, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, 2 + 2 seating, USB sockets at seat locations, universal toilets, and improved passenger information system.

Bombardier Transportation signed a contract with FirstGroup and MTR to supply and maintain 750 Bombardier Aventra vehicles, for operation on the South Western franchise in the United Kingdom. This is the largest ever single contract globally for Aventra trains.

The contract is valued at approximately $1.1 billion. In addition, Bombardier will execute a Technical Services and Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA) for the duration of the seven-year franchise, with an option to extend for 11 periods in line with the existing franchise extension option. The UK-based rolling stock investment consortium Rock Rail will finance the multi-million pound procurement.

Ad Loading...

In addition to delivering a significant performance increase with innovative energy benefits such as regenerative braking, Bombardier's new Aventra electric multiple unit will transform the passenger experience with features including wide-open gangways between carriages, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, 2 + 2 seating, USB sockets at seat locations, universal toilets, and improved passenger information system. The new units will be supplied in both five-car and 10-car configurations.

The FirstGroup and MTR partnership will take over the South Western franchise in August. The new trains will operate on the Windsor, Reading, and West London suburban routes. The new trains will start to come into service from mid-2019 and will all be in place by December 2020.

More New Mobility

Opening art for Sustabinability Partners Q&A
Zero Emissionsby Alex RomanMarch 25, 2026

Inside EVaaS: A New Model for Airport Fleet Electrification

Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.

Read More →
Officials and community leaders cut a ribbon in front of a Pace On Demand shuttle bus outside Rolling Meadows City Hall to celebrate expanded on-demand transit service in northwest Cook County.
New Mobilityby News/Media ReleaseMarch 9, 2026

Chicago Pace Expand On-Demand Transportation Program

The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.

Read More →
A vehicle that will be used for MARTA's Reach mobility program.
New Mobilityby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Atlanta's MARTA Set to Launch New On-Demand Transportation Service

An important part of the authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A black and blue HOLON urban autonomous vehicle on a city street.
New Mobilityby Elora HaynesFebruary 26, 2026

CharterUP Moves to Scale Autonomous Shuttle Deployments Through HOLON Partnership

The partnership aims to accelerate the rollout of electric, high-capacity autonomous shuttles for campuses, airports, transit systems, and more.

Read More →
Portrait of Joshua Schank, Ph.D., alongside the ACES Mobility Coalition logo.
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

ACES Mobility Coalition Selects Joshua Schank as New Executive Director

Veteran transportation innovator to lead coalition as it pushes nationwide expansion of shared autonomous mobility.

Read More →
David Carol, Baker Alloush, and Jesse Lazarus from METRO's People Movement February 4 edition.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 4, 2026

New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New Mobilityby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Chicago's Pace Expands VanGo Mobility Program

The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 22, 2026

Biz Briefs: BART, Uber Launch Partnership and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Fleet Software ROI: Boost Uptime & Safety

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Transit signal priority and public transit agencies.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 16, 2026

How AI is Redefining Transit Operations and Signal Priority

In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.

Read More →