Porterbrook provides ongoing train maintenance services. It is responsible for heavy maintenance on much of its current fleet and has developed considerable expertise in maintenance procurement. Such high volumes of work produce economies of scale which ensure that Porterbrook can offer competitively-priced maintenance packages.

Porterbrook tailors contract hire schemes to the requirements of operation. It pioneered a new type of contract hire package within the rail industry which combines the lease rental with maintenance agreements. Trains can be leased inclusive of both heavy and light maintenance. This allows train operating companies to concentrate on the operational side of their business: providing a quality service to their passengers.

With this type of package, the maintenance element of the lease is subject to a guarantee whereby Porterbrook provides an agreed number of trains to a high level of mechanical serviceability, and the operator pays only for the trains made available: the "no train no pay" contract.

Contracts of this type currently in place include one for 12 new Diesel Multiple Units that are provided in a fully maintained state. Another operator required a minimum of 60 Electric Multiple Units each day:

Porterbrook's contract has an incentive regime to provide over 60 units, with penalties for any shortfall.

Porterbrook is available to advise on the most appropriate type of contract for each customer's needs and develop schemes in line with the operational aspirations.