Rail Operations Group has announced a new 2-year agreement with Direct Rail Services (DRS) for the storage and maintenance of its Class 93 fleet at the Gresty Bridge depot in Crewe.
The agreement will see the fleet supported by DRS’s engineering teams, who will provide storage, servicing and maintenance capability for the locomotives as their deployment across the UK network continues to grow. As an established operator and maintainer of Stadler locomotives, DRS provides the facilities and technical expertise required to support the introduction of the Class 93 as it finds its place within the UK rail industry.
The Class 93 is the latest and most advanced development of Stadler’s successful UK locomotive family – a mixed-traffic Tri-Mode locomotive built on the proven success of the Class 68 and Class 88 fleets, but with enhanced AC, diesel and battery performance, providing greater versatility and efficiency.
Brian Ferguson, General Manager at Rail Operations Group, said:
“We’re pleased to be working with Direct Rail Services to support the Class 93 fleet at Gresty Bridge.
“When the opportunity emerged to work with DRS, it was a natural choice. Their experience maintaining Stadler products, combined with established facilities and a centralised location, Gresty Bridge is the ideal base to support the continued operation and development of the fleet as we expand its use across a growing range of services. We look forward to working closely with the DRS team.
“Alongside our own specialist Class 93 engineering team, this agreement ensures the locomotives will benefit from the highest level of technical expertise while providing a strong platform for us to continue demonstrating the capabilities of this state-of-the-art locomotive.”
Tony Hewitson, Interim Rail Director at DRS, which is part of Nuclear Transport Solutions, said:
“This agreement showcases the expertise and engineering excellence offered by our organisation and its employees. We have been operating and maintaining Class 68s and 88s for over 10 years and are excited to support Rail Operations Group with the skills and technical experience we have gained during that period.”