ALSTOM wins 330 million euro contract for maintenance of
rolling stock and infrastructure in Melbourne

ALSTOM has managed the infrastructure and fleet of the Connex
Melbourne network since 1999. Prior to the awarding of the new
franchise, which takes effect on April 18, 2004, the Connex
assets managed by ALSTOM included 240 kilometers of track with
the related infrastructure and a fleet of 74 six-car trains.

ALSTOM will manage fleet maintenance, and an ALSTOM-Connex
joint venture will manage infrastructure maintenance.

The new contract extends the maintenance period until April
2009 with an option to extend the term to May 2010. The assets
that ALSTOM manages for Connex Melbourne will be nearly tripled.
Under the new contract, ALSTOM will be responsible for the
maintenance of:

830 kilometers of track and overhead wiring

89 substations and tie stations

208 stations and car parks

186 three-car Comeng trains

69 three-car Hitachi trains

40 three-car X'TRAPOLIS trains

Connex is gradually replacing its older Hitachi trains with
new X'TRAPOLIS trains built by ALSTOM. Connex has ordered 58
X'TRAPOLIS trains in all; the last of the trains in the order is
scheduled for delivery by the end of the year.

Philippe Mellier, president of ALSTOM Transport, said:
We congratulate our customer and partner Connex on the
award of this expanded franchise. ALSTOM is proud to put its
maintenance expertise, developed in similar contracts around the
world, at the service of users of public transport in Melbourne
and the state of Victoria.

With more than 35 product lines and a presence in more than
60 countries, ALSTOM's Transport sector offers complete
products and services for new rolling stock, signaling and
electrical and mecanical infrastructure as well as maintenance
and rehabilitation services to four distinct types of
customers: urban transit authorities and operators; intercity
passenger rail operators and rolling stock owners; rail freight
operators; and intercity railway infrastructure owners.
ALSTOM's Transport sector, with sales of 5.1 billion euros
in financial year 2002-2003, is among the world's leading
suppliers to the railway industry.

Press information:

Helen Connolly

Tel. +33 (0)1 41 66 91 43

helen.connolly@transport.alstom.com