The first Class 700 train went into passenger service on the 20th June 2016. Every unit is thoroughly tested at the new train care depot at Three Bridges and then tested on the network before entering passenger service.
August 2016, saw more units enter service on the Brighton to Bedford lines and then the Sutton/Wimbleon loop.
Class 700 trains will serve many lines North and South of the Thames - making cross-London journeys even easier. The following destinations are served: Bedford Brighton Cambridge Luton Orpington Peterborough Sevenoaks St Albans Sutton (Surrey) Wimbledon |
Class 700 trains will replace a mixture of units on the Thameslink network; Class 319, Class 377/5 and Class 387 trains.
Features
LED Lighting
Bright LED lighting is fitted to give a clean and bright environment. |
Smoke Detection & Exhaust System
Smoke detectors are fitted on the train including all toilets complete with an exhaust system to draw any smoke on the train outside. |
WiFI
Free WiFi was installed onto the trains after they entered passenger service. |
Statement from Thameslink
Launching this new generation of trains at such an iconic station symbolises what the Thameslink Programme is doing to transform rail travel across London. We have worked closely with our colleagues at Thameslink and Siemens to get the infrastructure ready for these trains to create a more reliable, regular and modern service.
Nick Gray, Thameslink Programme
The Thameslink Core
The Thameslink core is a section of the line between London Blackfriars and St Pancras station. The section of line is under Automatic Train Control (ATC) and is one of the busies on the network. Thanks to ATC up-to 24 trains per-hour ca be provided during peak times. All Thameslink trains service all stations through the core.
Page last updated 8/04/2021.