Rail services across London and the southeast are to be transformed as the result of a new operating contract, the Department for Transport pledged today.
The seven-year franchise awarded to Govia Thameslink Railway is the largest ever let in terms of passenger numbers, serving scores of destinations across the region, including Brighton, King’s Lynn, Peterborough, Cambridge, Bedford, Luton, Gatwick and Moorgate.
Govia will introduce nearly 1,400 new electric carriages across the network, providing 50% more capacity and 10,000 extra seats on weekdays into central London during the morning peak by the end of 2018.
The franchise will play a crucial role in delivering the government’s £6.5 billion Thameslink programme – a major infrastructure scheme that will allow 24 trains an hour to travel in each direction from Blackfriars to St Pancras stations in London.
New tunnels will link Peterborough and Cambridge to the existing Thameslink route, providing access across London via St Pancras to Gatwick and Brighton.
Rail minister Stephen Hammond said: “The signing of this deal is great news for passengers and testament to the hard work of the department and the team at Govia.
“Once operational the new service will transform rail travel to scores of destinations across London and the southeast, benefitting millions of passengers and driving forward our economy.”