The first carriage of the brand new Gatwick Express train, the Class 387/2, has been built and is undergoing static testing by Bombardier Transportation at its manufacturing plant in Derby.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) announced in November that it had signed a £145.2 million order for 108 new custom-built train carriages. The new Gatwick Express trains are due to enter service in 2016, replacing the 1980s-built 442 trains which have been operating on the Gatwick Express service since 2008, and are part of a massive investment in new trains by GTR.
The 27 four-car Class 387/2s trains have been specially designed for the airport route with:
- easier boarding
- better luggage space
- two-by-two seating
- power points at every seat
- air-conditioning
- Wi-Fi
- the latest automated on-board service information
- excellent facilities for people with disabilities
Angie Doll, the new Passenger Service Director for Gatwick Express, said:
“This is a key milestone in the journey to brand new trains for Gatwick Express. The benefits our passengers will receive will also be felt by those travelling from Brighton, as in the off-peak some of these trains will be extended to this station.”
Alan Fravolini, Bombardier’s Project Director said:
“These new trains for Gatwick Express demonstrate how our ELECTROSTAR product has the flexibility to meet wide-ranging requirements from train operators, including airport services. We’re delighted to be supplying these new trains, in support of GTR’s investment programme.”
