Named trains transform Thameslink Programme communications

Ceremony held at Blackfriars Station

Two striking rainbow-striped trains were yesterday named at London Blackfriars station as part of a campaign to tell passengers about the massive £5.5 billion capacity upgrade of the cross-London Thameslink route.

The colourful four-coach units were named ‘Transforming Blackfriars’ and ‘Transforming Farringdon’. First Capital Connect staff chose the names to highlight two current pieces of work of the Thameslink Programme which will introduce 50% longer 12-carriage trains and increase capacity on the route between Brighton and Bedford.

Blackfriars station is being rebuilt to accommodate the longer trains. It will be the first station to span the Thames and have a South Bank entrance handy for Tate Modern and other places south of the river. There will be a new common entrance on the north bank for both Tube and train services and a much better Tube station with step-free access for both interchange and street level.

On top of this, Farringdon station is being remodelled to accommodate the longer trains and to provide improved access for the Tube. As well as a new station entrance, concourse and platform footbridge, there will be provision for Crossrail.

Many other improvements are being introduced but there will be disruption along the way due to engineering work and the distinctive stripy brand is being used as part of a campaign to keep passengers updated.

For example, Blackfriars Tube station will have to shut until late 2011, the branch line from Farringdon to Moorgate will close permanently and already, every night and almost every weekend, the route is closed between St Pancras International and London Bridge / Herne Hill for essential engineering works by Network Rail.

The trains ‘Transforming Blackfriars’ and ‘Transforming Farringdon’ carry in large letters the address of the Programme’s website www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk where customers can find out the latest news and information with which to plan their journeys. People are urged to register for free email updates.

FCC Engineering Director Andy Cope said: “There can’t be two trains anywhere in Britain with a livery as bold and distinctive as this. They are real head-turners.

“The Thameslink Programme’s a head-turner as well in the way it will transform capacity on the route. Two key elements of the programme are the rebuilding and remodelling of Blackfriars and Farringdon stations respectively to take 12-carriage trains which is why these names are so apt.”