London commuter routes to benefit from new electric trains

Date: 31/7/2013

Southern has agreed a £180 million deal to receive 116 state-of-the-art train carriages, which will be used on London commuter routes, from the Derby-based builders Bombardier.

The trains are expected to be introduced initially to the Thameslink lines from 2015, with existing stock then being moved to recently electrified routes around the country.

Another fleet of 130 carriages are due to be introduced to train lines from December this year and a further 40 following those early next year.

"London’s commuters deserve a first class rail network and comfortable modern trains, Southern is delivering that. This second order will also provide a further boost to the thousands of passengers who travel into London every day," said Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

Gerry McFadden, Southern's Fleet Director, added that it will be a challenge for it and Bombardier to meet the two-year deadline, but they are determined to ensure passengers get the trains they have been promised.

Posted by Mary Treen

Transport News, Transport Consulting News and TRL Ltd