09.11.16
Thameslink Class 700 rolled out on suburban route
The new Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) Class 700 trains have passed another milestone as the first one began operating on the suburban Wimbledon and Sutton loop.
The eight-car Class 700 has been operating 11 services a day since 31 October, one of which is in the morning peak.
Many of the services run as far as St Albans and Luton, via stations such as Radlett and Elstree & Borehamwood.
Gerry McFadden, GTR’s engineering director, said: “I’m delighted that the first Thameslink train is now operating on the suburban route between Wimbledon, Sutton and St Albans and Luton.
“More will soon follow and we hope passengers enjoy the step change in travelling environment they provide.”
The Class 700s were built to meet the growing demand on GTR’s services. They have the capacity to carry up to 1,750 passengers, as well as wider doors and aisles and improved disability access.
Dave Hooper, Thameslink programme director for Siemens, which designed the trains, added that the Class 700s “are designed with the passenger in mind and we look forward to working closely with Thameslink to introduce more onto the route”.
(Image c. GTR)
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