The first Desiro City train from Siemens for the Thameslink network in Greater London was delivered and entered service. Operator Govia Thameslink Railways (GTR) will operate the trains between Bedford and Brighton initially, followed by the routes to and from Cambridge and Peterborough as well as other destinations in the shires of Kent and Sussex.
The trains provide over 80 percent more seating through the heart of London during peak periods, are around 50 percent longer than trains in the existing fleet, and have a capacity of 1,750 passengers. Wide doors facilitate the quick boarding and alighting of passengers, and electronic displays indicate where seats are available in the cars.
By the end of 2018, a total of 115 trains will have been delivered. Siemens will take over the complete long-term servicing and maintenance for this new fleet of trains. The goal is to have trains operating every two or three minutes along the route through the city centre during peak periods. This would be equivalent to 24 trains per hour. The inauguration of service of the first Class 700 trains marks an important programme milestone.
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