Montréal, Canada – Bombardier Transportation is delighted to announce that it has been awarded two significant contracts from the UK operator First Great Western, part of FirstGroup plc, the leading transport company. The first order, worth $100 million US (£53 million) is for the renovation of 405 high speed train (HST) trailer cars to be used by the operator on their premier services between London, Bristol, South Wales, the Cotswolds and the West of England. This renewal work, to include an extensive interior refresh and an exterior repaint, will be carried out across two of Bombardier’s sites in the U.K., Derby and Ilford. Bombardier’s new refurbishment centre at Derby will complete the majority of this work, a total of 294 cars. The remaining 111 coaches will be refreshed at Ilford. Delivery of the completed units will commence in November 2006, with all the vehicles renewed by the end of 2007.

The second contract, at a value of up to $160 million US (£85 million) is for HST bogie overhaul and technical development work, to be undertaken throughout the life of the new Great Western franchise, for up to ten years. This work will be carried out at Bombardier’s site in Crewe in the UK.

Commenting on the announcement, Colin Walton, Chief Country Representative, U.K. said: “This win is excellent news for our workforces at Derby, Ilford and Crewe. Our employees will ensure that First Great Western receives a first class service from Bombardier.”

Rik Dobbelaere, President, Services, Bombardier Transportation, added: “We have created a state-of-the-art specialist refurbishment centre at Derby and this renewal work is further proof of our leadership and expertise in this area. The bogie overhaul contract confirms the quality of the bogie work that we have carried out in partnership with First Group over the past decade. We are looking forward to continuing to enhance the product, improving fleet reliability and performance.”

Alison Forster, Managing Director, First Great Western said: “This work is part of a wider investment commitment made by First Great Western and is good news for our customers. We are delighted to be working with Bombardier and we are looking forward to seeing improved levels of passenger comfort and train reliability.”