Maintenance

While new trains often steal the headlines, the existing Porterbrook fleet, both Passenger and Freight rolling stock, forms a major part of the portfolio. For optimisation of the fleet, Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (RAMS) characteristics are at the heart of the business. Whether the relationship with the Operator is based on a Dry Lease (Operator conducts all maintenance activities) or of a Soggy Lease nature (Porterbrook takes responsibility for heavy maintenance arrangements) a consistent interface is maintained. This approach allows Fleet Management actions to be correctly aligned and for the short and long term perspective on the fleet to be given adequate consideration.

In this regard Porterbrook has conducted and facilitated vehicle refurbishment and reliability programmes. The most extensive project in this regard was the Class 455 refurbishment. Essentially the programme brought a number of elements together; vehicle overhaul, passenger enhancement and reliability improvements in a most effective and collaborative manner.

The effect – a perception of a new train. These types of activities are essential if the industry is to maximise the economic performance of the industry as the demand for the services which Porterbrook offers continues to grow.

Fundamentally, Porterbrook’s aim in the coming years is to not only continue with our investment in new trains for the UK rail industry but to also further improve the RAMS characteristics and passenger environment of its existing fleet by working closely with the train operators and suppliers to identify opportunities.