ScotRail has signed a long-term Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA) with Alstom. The agreement covers the operation, maintenance, support and refresh of its forthcoming Class 222 diesel multiple unit fleet, also known as Meridians. The trains will replace existing HST train sets, which date from the 1970s.
The ten-year agreement, valued at approximately £250 million (€293 m), runs until March 2036 with an option to extend up to March 2042, and will see Alstom provide technical support and spares supply for 22 five-car Class 222 trains. This will sit alongside an ongoing programme of refurbishment and modernisation works to improve reliability, passenger comfort and onboard technology for Scottish regional services between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and other major population centres.
Out with the old, in with the … not quite so old
ScotRail has confirmed plans to introduce a fleet of British Rail Class 222 diesel multiple units. When built in the early 2000s, they were commonly known as Meridians, a name that has stuck with the units ever since. The trains are part of a wider programme to replace ScotRail’s ageing InterCity 125 high-speed train sets (branded by ScotRail as “Inter7City”). The HST was a revolutionary design at the time, and an example of the marque still holds the verified world record for the fastest diesel train in the world. However, millions of miles into their careers, the sets are now experiencing deteriorating reliability and providing a huge maintenance overhead for the operators.
The Meridian units, although still not brand-new trains, are expected to be a step-change for domestic operations in Scotland. A total of 22 units are expected to be leased and will undergo a substantial refurbishment before entering service, with the first trains anticipated for driver training in early 2027 and passenger operations commencing later that year. The phased rollout is likely to continue into 2028, at which point the HST fleet is expected to be fully withdrawn. The transition reflects ongoing concerns over the reliability and maintenance costs of the existing trains while also taking advantage of the availability of Class 222 units displaced from East Midlands Railway as it introduces new bi-mode rolling stock.
From toilets to cybersecurity
Alstom is taking on a wide-ranging refurbishment programme to bring the 222s up to standard for Scotland’s prestige routes. The engineers will deliver an extensive interior and exterior refresh, including new seating, tables, carpets, LED lighting and upgraded driver cabs, as well as toilet refurbishments and reconfiguration work to improve luggage, bicycle and accessibility provision. This refurbishment contract is with Beacon and is worth around £80 million.
The programme also includes extensive onboard systems upgrades (including intelligent stop/start), with new passenger information systems and saloon media screens, hearing aid announcement systems, automatic passenger counting, CCTV, Wi-Fi connectivity and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Defibrillators will be fitted to every train as part of the safety upgrade package.
Not in service, but work begins immediately
“The Class 222 fleet has a strong service history,” said Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom. “Through this comprehensive programme of technical support, refurbishment and heavy maintenance, we will help to ensure these trains continue to deliver a safe, comfortable and dependable experience for passengers for many years to come. This investment also underlines our commitment to sustaining skilled jobs, developing engineering capability and supporting the UK rail supply chain as the industry continues its transition to a more sustainable railway.”
The agreement forms part of a broader package of contracts with rolling stock owner Beacon, including early heavy maintenance, refurbishment activity and storage. Once in service, the Class 222 fleet will be maintained across Scotland, principally at depots in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.
When will there be good news? Now, apparently
Although there are a couple of years to wait before Saltire blue Meridians grace the Scottish scene, the management is already getting excited. “More modern trains are a significant factor in encouraging more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail,” said Joanne Maguire, Managing Director at ScotRail. “Introducing fully refurbished trains ensures customers will see immediate benefits, with enhancements in comfort, accessibility and reliability.”
After the Glasgow station fire led to a stream of bad news for Scottish rail, the announcement has come as a welcome relief. “We are delighted to have awarded this contract to Alstom to refurbish our Class 222 fleet to support ScotRail delivering high‑quality, high‑speed services for their customers,” said Adam Cunliffe, Chief Executive Officer at Beacon, the leasing agent for the trains. “Working in partnership with ScotRail and Alstom on the upgrade programme for these trains will enhance the on‑board experience for passengers across Scotland. We look forward to seeing the refurbished trains enter service.”