Alstom wins $515m contract to operate and maintain Southern California’s Metrolink network

Alstom, the global leader in sustainable transportation solutions, has secured a pivotal contract with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) to operate, service, and maintain its regional rail system. The five-year agreement, valued at $515 million USD (€490 million EUR), begins January 1, 2025, and could extend by three additional years, bringing the total value to $860 million USD (€817 million EUR). This expanded partnership will employ over 400 Alstom team members in Southern California.

The deal cements Alstom’s longstanding relationship with Metrolink, dating back over 30 years, including its provision of Bilevel coaches and train maintenance services since 1998. The newly awarded contract extends beyond maintenance to include full operations across the Metrolink passenger rail network, which spans over 545 miles across six counties. Alstom will mobilise more than 200 employees specifically for operations starting July 2025.

Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, expressed gratitude for Metrolink’s trust and highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering world-class service. He emphasised Alstom’s role in helping Metrolink accommodate the surge in visitors expected during major global sporting events in Southern California.

Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle acknowledged the transition from traditional commuter rail to regional rail system operations, expressing confidence in Alstom’s ability to ensure a seamless transition and maintain excellent service. He also commended the contributions of Amtrak and TransitAmerica Services Inc., which previously operated Metrolink and its Arrow service, respectively.

Expanded scope of operations and maintenance

The contract’s scope encompasses train operations, crewing, customer service, rolling stock maintenance, facilities upkeep, and optional materials management. While Alstom will provide crews for Metrolink’s Arrow service—a nine-mile link between San Bernardino and Redlands—it will not maintain the Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) or Zero Emission Multiple Units (ZEMUs) set to debut in 2025 as part of Metrolink’s environmentally focused upgrades.

Metrolink’s fleet comprises 258 passenger railcars and 60 locomotives, serving 67 stations across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and San Diego counties. Its services offer a safe, sustainable alternative to driving in a region known for traffic congestion and air pollution.

Strengthening Alstom’s leadership in North America

This agreement underscores Alstom’s dominant position in North America’s rail system operations market. With more than 25 active operations and maintenance projects globally and a strong portfolio of solutions, Alstom delivers end-to-end transit services to optimise performance and reduce costs for transit authorities.

The company’s expertise includes modernisation, repairs, digital services, and train maintenance services across 35 sites in North America. Its scalable solutions cater to a wide range of customer needs, from manual to automated operations, supported by a team of over 3,800 services experts.

Alstom’s growing presence in Southern California aligns with its mission to enable sustainable transportation solutions, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner for communities aiming to achieve their mobility goals.