Rubens Barrichello launches Alstoms pit stop
maintenance regime for Virgin Pendolino trains

Guaranteeing availability and reliability levels on such an
intensively used fleet, is a significant challenge, which led
Alstom to introduce a Pit Stop approach to maintenance. Thanks
to this approach, teams can anticipate any repairs that need to
be carried out the same evening and put in place the right
people, parts and equipment at exactly the right location on
the specially conceived Pit Stop roads before the trains
arrive. This means that each trainset, when it finishes
passenger service at night, is processed for routine
maintenance in the most efficient and safe way possible before
returning to service just a few hours later.



Alstom uses its on-board telemetry, Traintracer to analyse
fault data from the train management systems during the day and
send it via wireless communication to the maintenance teams for
immediate action. Teams also communicate directly with the
train driver to establish corrective actions that may need be
taken while the train is still in service.



The methodology also encompasses Alstoms APSYS
production system , inspired by lean production methods and
designed to increase performance without compromising safety.
Various maintenance tasks on the Pendolino fleet have been
examined to eliminate all non-value-added activities, thereby
streamlining processes with, for example, the replacement of a
wheelset reduced from four and a half hours to just over two.



Alstom calculates that the Pit Stop approach will bring a 30%
overall saving to maintenance task times which can be
channelled into increased reliability or availability as
required by Virgin. Alstom will now roll out its Pit Stop
maintenance to the 4 other West Coast Traincare Centres at
Liverpool, Glasgow, Wolverhampton and Manchester.



About Traintracer


The Traintracer module added to the train's control system
generates a virtually unceasing flow of data on changes in its
major components via radio transmission to a ground-based
server. With information available in real time or upon
request, operators can anticipate train movements and engineers
can, remotely, analyze and understand what's happening on
board, anticipate any problems or troubleshoot failures.
Increased recourse to predictive and preventive maintenance
raises the effective availability of fleets significantly.
Alstom has deployed Traintracer on the West Coast Main Line
fleet of 52 Pendolino since 2006. This service, fully
integrated with the everyday operations of the operator Virgin
and the maintainer Alstom, is a key support element in the
programme to increase traffic on the line.


About APSYS


Launched in 2004, Alstoms production system APSYS was
inspired by the lean manufacturing methods developed in the
automotive industry and includes adaptations for the rail
sector: standardization of operations, problem solving,
involvement of operators in the field, management of methods
and tools for continual improvement (kaizen in Japanese), and
capitalization, such as sharing local best practices to build a
common reference tool for all. The deployment of this new mode
of production management is in line with Alstoms
commitment to accelerating and sustainably supporting the
development of its manufacturing system in the areas of
quality, cost and deadlines (QCD) as well as safety.


About Alstom Transport


A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom Transport develops
and markets the most complete range of systems, equipment and
services in the railway sector. Alstom Transport manages entire
transport systems, taking in rolling stock, signalling and
infrastructure, and offers turnkey solutions.
Alstom Transport recorded sales of 5.7 billion euros in the
fiscal year 2008-2009 and an increase in orders of 9% compared
to the previous year. Alstom Transport is present in over 60
countries and employs some 27,000 people.



Press contact :

Cécile Dodat


Tél : + 33 (0)1 41 66 91 48 / + 33 (0)6 72 59 83 70


cecile.dodat@transport.alstom.com