Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has signed a £24.5 million contract variation with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to reactivate 30 Class 379 Electrostar trains. These trains will enhance services on GTR’s Great Northern network, connecting London King’s Cross with Cambridge, Peterborough, and King’s Lynn. The fleet was acquired by Porterbrook from Akiem in March 2024.
Under the extended Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA), Alstom is delivering engineering and on-train technical support, ensuring a smooth reintroduction of the trains into service. The reactivation reflects the industry’s commitment to reliable, passenger-centric rail services and the growing confidence in post-pandemic rail travel.
These Class 379 trains will be the first in GTR’s fleet to integrate Alstom’s HealthHub, a web-based platform that analyzes real-time data from trains every 30 seconds. The system tracks over 200 parameters, including train speed, cabin temperature, and GPS location, enabling predictive maintenance and preventing potential disruptions before they occur.
Peter Broadley, Commercial Director, UK & Ireland at Alstom, highlighted the collaboration’s impact: “Alstom is proud to support the reactivation of the Class 379 fleet. This initiative underscores the importance of industry partnerships in enhancing rail capacity and delivering a better passenger experience while maximizing existing assets.”
The first Class 379 trains (379002 and 379022) entered service on February 10, 2025, initially operating on Great Northern routes to and from Letchworth Garden City. The expansion also supports new job opportunities, with work carried out at key Alstom sites, including Crewe Works—home to the company’s UK Centre of Excellence for Bogie and Traction Motor Overhaul. The facility, which has overhauled more than 20,000 bogies over the past decade, is now responsible for servicing Class 379 bogies and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units.
Steve Lammin, Engineering Director at Govia Thameslink Railway, emphasized the significance of the project: “These additional trains demonstrate GTR’s commitment to working with industry partners to improve passenger services and enhance journey experiences.”
The original TSSSA agreement, signed in October 2022, was valued at £256 million and aligns with GTR’s National Rail Contract. It ensures continued support for Derby-built Class 377 and Class 387 Electrostar fleets, serving key routes into London Victoria and King’s Cross.
Stefan Rose, Chief Investment Officer at Porterbrook, expressed confidence in the fleet’s role in future services: “When we acquired the Class 379 trains, we knew they were an excellent fit for GTR’s needs. It’s fantastic to see them back in service, delivering benefits to passengers for years to come.”
Alstom remains a trusted long-term partner for GTR, supporting the 1,342-car fleet across major depots in Battersea, Brighton, Hornsey, and Selhurst. With a 35-member project team and the Brighton material supply facility, Alstom ensures maximum train availability, reliability, and safety on some of the UK’s busiest commuter routes.
Originally built at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between 2010 and 2011, the 30 four-car Class 379 Electrostars previously operated between London Liverpool Street and King’s Lynn via Stansted Airport and Cambridge. Under GTR, they will now be based at Hornsey depot.
Alstom is a global leader in sustainable and innovative transportation solutions, specializing in rail transport and infrastructure. With a strong presence in over 70 countries, Alstom designs, manufactures, and maintains high-speed trains, metros, trams, signaling systems, and related services. The company is dedicated to accelerating the transition to green mobility through advancements in electric, hydrogen, and battery-powered rail technologies, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing urban mobility.
Alstom’s focus on innovation, coupled with its commitment to sustainability, has positioned it as a key player in transforming public transportation worldwide, making it cleaner, safer, and more efficient. The company’s cutting-edge solutions, such as the development of the hydrogen-powered Coradia iLint train, showcase its leadership in shaping the future of low-carbon mobility.
