UK: Gatwick Express Class 387/2 ELCTROSTARs Enter Service

Image courtesy of Bombardier

The new Gatwick Express Class 387/2 ELECTROSTAR trains have commenced passenger services from Victoria Station in London. The event was celebrated by a ceremony attended by Rail Minister Claire Perry and senior representatives from the rail industry.

Bombardier will deliver a total of 108 ELECTROSTAR trains to Govia Thameslink Railway over the course of 2016. The four-car Class 387/2 was specifically designed for the Gatwick Express, featuring two double-doors per vehicle and a layout which enables easier boarding, 2×2 seating with additional under-seat storage, additional luggage space, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and a cutting-edge passenger information system in several languages.

Gatwick Express Passenger Service Director Angie Doll said:

“This marks a real step-change in the journey experience for Gatwick Express passengers. The new fleet replaces 30-year-old rolling stock which is not designed for today’s airport passenger, and the introduction of our new trains is just the start of some really exciting improvements yet to come.”

The fleet was designed and manufactured in Derby. It has a proven record of reliability on other networks, including c2c, Southeastern, London Overground and the Stansted Express.