The latest version of DfT procurement pipeline spreadsheet has the South Eastern contract commencement for new trains (350 to 640 vehicles) starting estimated 1st July 2025 (in just 3 months time, just after spending review announced), is this significant
Listing of upcoming Department for Transport (DfT) and associated bodies commercial contracts – known as the commercial pipeline – for which bidders may apply.
www.gov.uk
It is months ahead of latest estimated contract commencement dates for GWR new fleet (9 Jan 2026), Northern DMUs (2 March 2026), Northern BEMUs, EMUs and MMUs (27 May 2026)