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Thameslink shows off new mega-train that aims to reduce crowding for commuters

New Thameslink ‘mega-trains’ have been unveiled today that could help reduce overcrowding on some of the South East and London’s biggest routes.

Launched today at Brackfriars station, the Siemens Class 700 Thameslink train boasts 12-carriages that carry up to 1,750 passengers or the equivalent of 21 double-decker buses, and has expanded walkways, doors and aisles to facilitate more standing passengers.

The new high-tech trains feature two-by-two seating, instead of the previous two-by-three design, which has led some to criticise the rail franchise for skimping on the number of seats per carriage.

However, Thameslink have argued that trains will carry more carriages meaning the new trains will have more seats than current models in service, whilst also providing more room for standing passengers during rush hour.

The first Thameslink 700 trains from a fleet of four are due to run between Brighton and Bedford in the coming weeks, with a further 55 trains on order.

Govia Thameslink Railway chief executive Charles Horton said: “These trains have been designed to meet the huge growth in passenger numbers that have soared 40 per cent in the past decade.

“Their wide doors, open interiors and state-of-the-art real-time passenger information systems will help us run a high frequency, high intensity service with over 80 per cent more seats across the heart of London in 2018.”

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