Earlier today the Transport Secretary, Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, announced that rail firm, Govia Thameslink Railway Limited, had been awarded the Thameslink Southern Great Northern (TSGN) seven year franchise to deliver the Government’s multi-billion pound investment in rail services in the South East through the Thameslink Programme.
The company, which will begin its operations in September, will be responsible for the delivery of new, state-of-the-art trains procured by the Government as part of this programme, and will also bring in private sector investment in two additional new electric train fleets during the franchise. These will provide the franchise with 50 per cent more capacity from 25 per cent more vehicles giving 10,000 more seats, and provide more pleasant journeys for Crawley’s rail passengers.
In addition, Govia Thameslink Railway Limited will provide free Wi-Fi at more than 100 stations and improve the retail and catering provision. The new agreement also includes the extension of staffing hours so that, at more than 100 of the largest stations, there will be a presence from the first train in the morning to the last train at night.
Crawley MP, Henry Smith, welcoming the announcement commented:
“As a commuter myself, it is great news to hear that we will have more trains, with more seats serving our town and helping to alleviate the overcrowded conditions and rail congestion that all too often blights our daily commute.
“A world class railway is a vital part of our long-term economic plan. New state-of-the-art trains, more seats, better connections and improved stations will transform travel across London and Crawley. That’s great news for businesses and the thousands of fellow Crawley commuters who use these vital services every day.
“Today’s announcement comes as part of a package of infrastructure improvement work servicing the Crawley area which includes the Government’s £50 million contribution for the comprehensive redevelopment of Gatwick Airport’s railway station, signalling and track capacity and £26 million upgrade of Three Bridges station.
The franchise will play a crucial role in delivering the Government’s £6.5 billion Thameslink programme – a major programme of infrastructure work that is helping create 8,000 jobs and will allow 24 trains per hour to travel in each direction from Blackfriars to St Pancras. New tunnels will link Peterborough and Cambridge to the existing Thameslink route providing easy access across London via St Pancras to Gatwick and Brighton.