Bombardier bonus for early completion of Super Voyager contract

21 April 2009

Train builder and maintainer Bombardier has received a £96,600 bonus for the early completion of refresh of 21 Super Voyager trains for Virgin Trains. To recognise the achievement, a giant cheque was presented to Bombardier Transportation’s UK Chairman Colin Walton by Virgin Trains Chief Operating Officer Chris Gibb at London Euston station on 21 April.

The contract covered the fleet of Super Voyager diesel trains operated by Virgin with the work being undertaken by Bombardier at its Litchurch Lane works in Derby. The contract was completed two weeks early against the contract.

Virgin Trains Chief Operating Officer Chris Gibb said: “The early completion of the refresh work was a real bonus for Virgin Trains, making all 21 trains available to us earlier than we expected. Despite the early completion the work has been done to the highest standards which we expect from Bombardier. We are pleased to hand over a bonus payment to Bombardier.”

Mark A Williamson, President, Passengers, Business Unit 1, Bombardier Transportation said: “We are delighted to have delivered this project two weeks early to programme, on budget and to a high quality standard. From the absolute outset of the project, our staff at Bombardier and Virgin have worked collectively together, with one common focus on ensuring delivery of these significant improvements to the service. “
The 18 five-coach and three four-coach trains have had the Shop vehicle moved to be next to the First Class accommodation, creating a ‘hybrid’ coach. The seats in this coach are now in bays of four, with new laptop-friendly tables and revised seat cushions and backrests. On busy peak time trains this coach can be used to provide additional First Class accommodation, with the normal onboard offer being provided.

CCTV has been fitted throughout each train, including the vestibule areas. Forward facing cameras have also been fitted to the driving cabs, recording every journey the Super Voyager trains make.

Also upgraded is the galley area, with a double sink, water boiler, convection oven and improved lighting being fitted. There are ten more seats on each five-coach train and also more luggage space has been created.