The contract covers 239 units and will replace the current arrangement whereby EDI-BT maintains the B-series fleet at Nowergup and Mandurah while the A-series and Australind fleets are serviced in-house at Claisebrook under labour hire contracts with Downer EDI Engineering Power and Spotless.

The contract is expected to be signed by June 30 and take effect from January 2012. Worth A$317m over 7½ years, it includes an option covering extension by a further 7½ years.