Revamped depot ready for new fleet of trains

Air-con carriages a vital step in Thameslink Programme

Train operator First Capital Connect has finished extending a depot ready to stable and maintain a new fleet of air-conditioned trains that will boost capacity and introduce new levels of comfort to the Bedford to Brighton Thameslink route.

The first Class 377 Electrostar trains are due to enter service early this year. By the time all 92 carriages arrive later in 2009 all but six rush hour trains will be the maximum eight-carriages long (see FAQ for more information). Today, shortage of stock means that 25 peak hour services have only four carriages.

MD Elaine Holt said at the official opening of the £2.2 million extension at the depot in Cauldwell Walk, Bedford: “FCC and its contractors Fitzpatrick have completed this to time and budget in just eight months even though they had to work in a very constricted site with staff and trains working around them day in, day out.

“And in a welcome boost to the local economy, we’ve employed an extra 27 engineers to man the improved depot, many from Bedford, Milton Keynes and surrounding towns.”

The depot now has a fifth enclosed section of track with inspection pits and elevated platforms from which the new trains – as well as the old – can be maintained.

“It’s absolutely essential,” said depot manager Jason Long. “When this depot was built, in 2004, it had to maintain only 172 carriages. We’ll have 436 by the time the last new train arrives!”

The new carriages are also an essential part of the Thameslink Programme that will radically transform capacity on the route. They are needed to operate a new timetable that will allow Network Rail to begin work transforming Blackfriars Railway station so it can take 50% longer, 12-carriage trains.

I declare this extended depot open!
First Capital Connect MD Elaine Holt and depot manager Jason Long open the new depot extension which will service a new fleet of trains to improve capacity and comfort on the Thameslink Bedford to Brighton route. Berthed alongside is one of two existing Thameslink trains. This has been painted in a striking new brand to publicise the Thameslink Programme, encouraging customers to check before they travel.

View our footage of the new Bedford depot extension.