Class 700s make Great Northern debut

Class 700s started running from Peterborough for Govia Thameslink Railway on November 6.

Twelve-car 700125 and 700128 were the first to be used on GTR’s Great Northern trains. The electric multiple units are being introduced gradually, and will start using the Canal Tunnel to link with the Thameslink network and Gatwick Airport from May.

The first trains operated on the GN by Class 700s are the 0656 and 0733 Peterborough-London King’s Cross and the 1742 and 1812 return. GTR is replacing 75% of the GN fleet with ‘700s’.

On the first day, 700128 made the debut for the class from Peterborough, working the 0656 Peterborough-London King’s Cross and 1812 return, while 700125 worked the 0733 Peterborough-London King’s Cross and 1742 return.

GTR Engineering Director Gerry McFadden said: “These first new Thameslink trains on the Great Northern route are a shape of things to come and feature the latest in technology. Their introduction is part of a broader fleet modernisation programme that has seen most of our older trains withdrawn and new trains introduced to Cambridge, Peterborough and King’s Lynn. This will continue into next year with new trains on the Moorgate line.

“At GTR we’re modernising the railway, and starting in May we’ll be giving passengers longer trains and more services to provide vital added seats on a route that has had a 70% increase in passenger numbers in just 14 years.” 

• For the full story, read RAIL 840, published on November 22, and available on iPad/Android from November 18.