Alstom opens state-of-the-art train maintenance facility in
Liverpool, U.K. For the West Coast Main Line
Pendolino

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Thanks to a £15-million pound investment from Network
Rail in the facility, the site at Edge Hill in Liverpool is now
able to receive up to eight high-speed tilting Pendolino trains
for maintenance every night, rather than the five it formerly
handled. The increase in activity supports the intense running
of the Pendolino fleet which requires 47 of the 52 trains to be
available for Virgin Trains to operate on a daily basis.

As of November 2010, the first of 4 new 11-car Pendolino trains
currently being built at Alstom’s factory in Savigliano,
Italy, will arrive at Edge Hill for testing. In preparation for
the fleet extension, the new facility was built with the longer
trains in mind and it will also assure the integration of two
new carriages into 31 of the existing nine-car trains ready for
passenger service in 2012.

The current centre, built in the 1960s to accommodate diesel
trains, could only handle basic maintenance tasks, and major
work was carried out at Alstom’s four other centres on
the West Coast Main Line. New lifting and access equipment will
enable the teams to carry out a wider range of maintenance
tasks including the replacement of pantographs, wheelsets,
windscreens and catering equipment.

Tony Collins, Virgin Trains Chief Executive said: “
Virgin Trains is delighted that Alstom and Network Rail
have invested in this state-of-the-art train maintenance depot
in Liverpool. The increased range of maintenance and overhaul
tasks that it can now undertake provides greater flexibility in
Pendolino train maintenance and has improved train reliability
and availability. The new facility reinforces our commitment to
the Liverpool region.”

According to Paul Robinson, Managing Director of Alstom
Transport UK, “
This new facility firmly puts Liverpool on the map for its
strategic role in the delivery of the Pendolino fleet and
introduction of new vehicles. In addition, it secures jobs for
our employees as well as expanding their skill
sets.”

About Pendolino
Alstom’s Pendolino has been a genuine success story since
its launch in 1998, with over 200 million kilometres covered in
commercial service. The Pendolino, in electric or diesel
version, operates in 9 countries: Italy, Germany, the Czech
Republic, Switzerland, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Portugal,
Spain and Finland. Russia will be added to the list from 2010,
with the opening of the high-speed line between Saint
Petersburg and Helsinki. With a market share of 95% in the
world and in Europe, Alstom is the indisputable leader in the
tilting electric trains sector

About Alstom Transport
A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom Transport develops
and markets the most complete range of systems, equipment and
services in the railway sector. Alstom Transport manages entire
transport systems, taking in rolling stock, signalling and
infrastructure, and offers “turnkey” solutions.
Alstom Transport recorded sales of 5.8 billion euros in the
fiscal year 2009-2010. Alstom Transport is present in over 60
countries and employs some 27,000 people.

Press contacts
Melina Georgitsis

Melina.a.georgitsis@transport.alstom.com 

+33 (0) 1 57 06 85 37