Alstom has signed a contract with Metrorex, the operator of Bucharest’s metro network, to maintain its fleet of trains for the next 15 years.

The total value of the contract of €500 million, and is based on the estimated distance travelled by the trains in operation. The contract covers preventive and corrective maintenance as well as overhauls for a total fleet of 82 trains.

Alstom has been providing maintenance services for Metrorex rolling stock since 2004.

During that time, the company has completed over 60 different types of refurbishments throughout the trains’ lifespan, improving both their performance and passenger comfort, and increasing train availability from 56% to 99.96%.

The company employs over 350 people on maintenance activities.

The 82 trains comprise a total of 492 carriages, and have averaged a total distance of 8.5 million km annually.

As a result of a tender awarded last year, at least 13 new Alstom Metropolis trains will be delivered for Metro Line 5 starting in 2023.

The new maintenance contract will be extended to include this additional fleet, with additional jobs to be created.

Gian Luca Erbacci, Alstom Europe Region President, said “With this new long-term contract, Alstom will be providing maintenance services to the Bucharest metro for the next 15 years. This latest contract with Metrorex is a proof of our customer’s confidence in our services and we are proud to have been selected as a long-term service partner. Today, Alstom has more than 50 maintenance contracts worldwide with a duration of 20 years or beyond, covering more than 35,000 vehicles. We are committed to deliver maintenance services at the highest standards to provide passengers with safe, reliable and comfortable journeys.”

“This latest contract with Metrorex is a proof of our customer’s confidence in our services and we are proud to have been selected as a long-term service partner. Today, Alstom has more than 50 maintenance contracts worldwide with a duration of 20 years or beyond, covering more than 35,000 vehicles.”