Modernisation schemes and HS2 in Alstom’s UK targets
ALSTOM is looking at a number of different options in the UK market over the next few years, according to Mike Muldoon, Head of Business Development UK & Ireland.
Speaking in Berlin on September 18 ahead of the InnoTrans exhibition, he said: “In the UK we are moving into other services that follow the market.
HS2 is one such project the company is eyeing, with Alstom submitting one of five bids shortlisted to build 54 classic compatible trains for the new line.
“HS2 is the next truly big prize for the UK. We’ve got the biggest range and we are analysing the Invitation to Tender,” said Muldoon. Providing the signalling was also something the company would be interested in.
He highlighted the company’s partnership with Stagecoach in the bidding for the next Southeastern franchise, and added: “We’ll take a more hands-on approach, but we are looking at a train, too.”
He said Alstom had been out of the UK rolling stock market “by design”, but that it now has products available - including electric multiple units that can be adapted for specific designs including suburban markets or 125mph running.
Muldoon also spoke of the importance of the company’s Widnes site, which opened last year ( RAIL 831) and which will become the company’s worldwide centre for modernisation.
The site will also be used to convert Class 321 electric multiple units into hydrogen units should contracts be signed for their use, while it could also be used for major work on other fleets.
He said: “There’s a point for modernisation where you do not remove trains from their environment, but for more significant work we will do so.”
Alstom carried out refurbishment on Class 334s at Polmadie, while work is about to start on the H5 overhauls on Class 390 Pendolinos at Longsight.
“At the moment modernisation is declining. However, when the market is less willing to buy new trains, then it will be coming here for that kind of work, and that’s where we come in.”
He said Alstom was interested in using Widnes for technical upgrades such as hybrid power, but not work such as corrosion repair. “We will look to transform trains to 21st century products,” he explained.
He said that the company has innovated in the UK, with the TrainScanner used at Longsight and Oxley now included in every new train bid it makes across the world.
But Muldoon did say that the future of Chester depot, built to maintain the Alstom-manufactured Class 175 Coradias, was uncertain once Transport for Wales replaces the diesel multiple units.