Train reliability programme resumes

Thameslink route customers can expect more reliable trains now that operator First Capital Connect (FCC) has restarted a traction control reliability programme for its 20-year-old class 319 trains.

The late arrival of newly-built Electrostar trains, being introduced as part of the Thameslink Programme, had forced FCC to put the work on hold but enough are now in service on the Brighton to Bedford route for it to resume.

Traction modifications have now resumed on the older-style Thameslink trains

FCC has already installed in the older existing trains a more robust system to reset the traction control system and this has improved reliability. Now rail manufacturer Alstom has begun installing systems to remotely monitor the traction system and carry out other work to further improve reliability.

The arrival of additional new trains as part of the Thameslink Programme also allows FCC to step up the pace of its overhaul and improvement of the existing fleet’s traction motors which is already paying dividends.

And earlier, in August, FCC was able to restart its refresh programme which gives the existing trains new and refreshed interiors and refurbished door mechanisms – another source of potential service delays (see FCC news release 14 August 2009).

FCC Engineering and New Trains Director Neal Lawson said: “I am really pleased we can get back on track with this programme for our Thameslink route fleet. This paves the way for more reliable trains and a better service for our customers.”

ends

Editor’s notes

1.   Traction motors are the electric motors that drive electric trains. A four-carriage Class 319 unit has 4.

2.   The traction control reliability programme had to be suspended in March 2009 because insufficient new Electrostar trains had been delivered to operate a new timetable introduced as part of the Thameslink Programme.

The March 2009 timetable was introduced as part of the £5.5bn Thameslink Programme to transform the Thameslink route and reduce overcrowding.

The new timetable allowed Network Rail to start redeveloping Blackfriars station. The new routes the timetable created into Kent and south London demanded an additional 23 new Electrostar trains.

Only 1 new Class 377/5 Electrostar had been delivered to FCC by the start of the 22 March 2009 timetable; there are now 12 in service with two more expected shortly.

Train operating companies Southern, Southeastern and London Midland have facilitated a rolling stock cascade to make additional trains available for FCC to operate the new timetable. FCC now has 3 Southern Class 377/2 Electrostars in operation on the Thameslink route.

It is anticipated that the full fleet of 23 new Electrostar Class 377/5s will be delivered in time for the new December 2009 timetable.