Gatwick Express announces £147m deal for new trains next year
The operators of the Gatwick Express today announced a £145 million deal for 27 new trains to enter service next year.
The Class 387/2s four-car trains will be fitted out for the Gatwick-Victoria route, with more luggage space, two-by-two seating and wi-fi. Charles Horton, the CEO of GTR and managing director of Southern, said some of the trains would also be extended to Brighton off-peak.New trains will also be added to Thameslink routes and are due to enter service in 2016.They will be built in the UK by Derby based company Bombardier.
Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “These new British built trains are great news for passengers and a boost for the economy. They will transform journeys on the Gatwick Express and Thameslink routes and safeguard jobs at Bombardier’s Derby factory.
“As part of our long term economic plan over £38 billion is being invested in improving our railways over the next 5 years and it’s great to see companies like GTR investing in the service it provides for its customers.”
Charles Horton, managing director of Southern, said:
“This is great news for our Gatwick passengers, but also for those travelling from Brighton, as in the off-peak some of these trains will be extended to there, while still maintaining the fast connection between Victoria and Gatwick.
“We took over the operation of the Thameslink route in September and already we are introducing new trains which will transform our passengers’ journeys on services between Bedford and Brighton.”
