Class 700 - Stock Focus

Weight sensors work out which carriages are busy or less empty.
As we've stated, 115 Siemens 700s will take to the tracks from June this year. And a 12-car version was unveiled at Blackfriars on 24th May. So what better time for a Stock Focus for these units...


At first, they will run the Bedford to Brighton route, in coming weeks, followed by the Peterborough and Cambridge services over the next decade.

These units, currently mostly on tests and trials, are able to carry up to 1,750 passengers (seated and standing) and are very well designed with their wide doors, open interiors and on-board live travel updates on the CIS screens. Furthermore, screens on-board also show where the train is less busy onboard thanks to weight sensors in the suspension - shown above right.

So far, 15 700s have been built and tested (including in adverse climates to see hope they cope), but this will rise to 115 units once all are in service.
Govia Thameslink Railway Chief Executive Charles Horton said: “Not only will many of these trains be longer and more spacious, they’ll be cutting edge with real-time information from around the network and the Tube, and excellent facilities for people with disabilities."
Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “This is another significant milestone for the multi-billion pound Thameslink Programme. Projects like this show how our record £40 billion investment in the railways is delivering better journeys for passengers across the South East and beyond. I look forward to seeing the improvements to passengers’ journeys as these trains are introduced to the Thameslink network.” 
Sabrina Soussan, from Siemens, said: “Today’s event gives commuters the first real insight as to what their future journeys will look like and we are excited at how our innovations in terms of technology and capacity will transform passenger journeys across the network. Passengers will benefit from easier access made possible through the wider doors and greater space – changes that will make a big difference to everyday travel.” 
Overall, these trains will be a welcome change. More space for commuters with the 2+2 seats, rather than 2+3 on many styles (though it may mean a lack of seats), plus with dedicated space for wheelchairs, buggies and cycles.

Liam has more updates for the GTR operator, and the link is here to that post. Harry
Regards:

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