Thameslink trains to receive £3.6m makeover
Passengers are expected to experience cleaner, fresher trains
Passengers using Thameslink services can look forward to cleaner and fresher train journeys, as a £3.6 million makeover of the fleet is currently underway.
Thameslink, which largely operates across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, recently transferred to public ownership, as the Government aims to enhance the onboard experience for travellers.
Work includes polishing the exteriors of 1,140 carriages, repainting toilets, updating interior wall vinyls to deter graffiti, and a deep steam-clean to the interiors.
The improvement project, known as the Class 700 polishing project, is funded by the Department for Transport and Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) in collaboration with Siemens.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “These improvements show how passengers are being prioritised under public ownership and, as we move towards Great British Railways, making sure that travelling by train is a comfortable and positive experience.
“This refresh on Thameslink services is just the start. Under public ownership, passengers not shareholders will be prioritised to deliver a safer, cleaner and more reliable railway.”
John Whitehurst, Interim CEO of Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) said: “Boosting customer satisfaction is a priority for us, so we’re delighted to bring tangible improvements to our Thameslink train fleet which passengers will really appreciate.
“By making our trains more attractive, we will encourage more people to choose rail across the vast Thameslink network, connecting communities as far apart as Cambridge and Brighton.”
In addition to the fleet makeover, GTR, the UK’s largest train operating company, has laid out a series of initiatives to improve performance and passenger experience.
As part of their ongoing improvement plan, GTR has committed to doubling the number of services between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria every hour from December, recruiting more drivers to reduce delays, and creating safer services with the help of 110 Travel Safe Officers.
There will also be an upgrade to the signalling system between Farringdon and Blackfriars, intended to reduce delays and prevent over 1,000 cancellations each year.
GTR is also introducing a customer support WhatsApp channel to aid passengers during disruptions, alongside more online payment options.