This will include installing real-time passenger information screens, USB and power sockets, and energy efficient LED lighting. The new features, which will be installed by GTR’s engineers, were selected following recent research led by Transport Focus and funded by Porterbrook.
The trains will also be fitted with an upgraded on-train data recorder that will help predict and diagnose faults and streamline maintenance, as well as passenger-counting technology to allow GTR to better analyse loading, which will support social distancing. New forward-facing CCTV cameras will be installed to help GTR and infrastructure manager Network Rail investigate incidents.
The trains include 214 class 377s used on suburban and commuter services on the Southern network between London, Surrey, Sussex and the south coast, and 56 class 387s operating Great Northern and Gatwick Express services.
While parts of the fleet, including the Gatwick Express class 387s, are only five years old, most have been in service for between 15 and 20 years, and the upgrade will harmonise passenger facilities across the fleet, as well as the latest on-board diagnostic systems.
The first upgraded train is due to re-enter service in the autumn. After a ramp-up period, GTR‘s staff will be working on a constant one-per-week stream of trains, supported by fleet manufacturer Bombardier.
“Taking on-board our passengers’ feedback, this multi-faceted upgrade by our own team at Selhurst Depot will provide a better on board experience and more reliability,” says GTR’s engineering director, Mr Steve Lammin. “I’m really pleased that GTR is working with Porterbrook and Bombardier to deliver this improvement programme that will continue to build back a better railway for our customers.”
