Class 700 trains

A new generation of rolling stockAn entirely new fleetSiemens was awarded the contract by the Department for Transport to build an entirely new fleet of trains in 2012, as part of the Thameslink Programme.

A key component of delivering the objective of a metro-style railway through central London, these new trains are known as the Class 700.

Siemens has delivered 115 state-of-the-art trains for Thameslink's routes. Siemens were also contracted to provide two traincare facilities specifically for the Class 700 at Hornsey and Three Bridges, as well as ongoing maintenance on behalf of Thameslink for the lifespan of the trains.

More than £60m was spent developing the new trains. The train design incorporates feedback from UK train operators, train crew, cleaners and maintenance staff, as well as dedicated passenger research.

Lighter and more energy efficientThe lighter, energy efficient Class 700 trains can accelerate faster and brake more efficiently than previous equivalents.

The Class 700 is approximately 20% lighter than comparable previous generation trains, roughly the equivalent of around 100 tonnes (or 100 small cars) lighter per 12 carriage train.

A newly-developed, lightweight bogie (the wheelsets on which the trains run) which is kinder to the rails has been incorporated in to the design. Other weight-saving design elements include a short wheelbase and hollow axles.

The new trains are also up to 50% more energy efficient, using the latest technology to conserve and re-generate power by recycling the heat generated through braking.

Lighter trains cause less wear and

tear to the tracks, and as well as increasing the overall efficiency of the vehicle, regeneration can greatly extend the life of the braking system as its parts do not wear as quickly.

Passenger focused trainsWith space always at a premium, many services on the Thameslink routes are now longer, meaning more people can travel with more ease.

Two by two seating was incorporated specifically as a result of research undertaken by Transport Focus in a joint project with the Department of Transport and London TravelWatch.

The Class 700 also features more luggage space and easier access. The carriages have been designed to be light and airy, with large doors and windows and open gangways to ensure passengers can see, move through and get on and off the train easily.

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Class 700 trains

They are also easier to clean, thanks to cantilevered seats which create more space on the floor and additional room for luggage.

The intelligent new trains are climate controlled with CO2 sensors constantly assessing the number of people in the carriage and adjusting the fresh air flow accordingly.

The clever systems don’t stop there: they extend to advanced fire protection, real time updates on how busy each carriage is and live onward travel information.

The Class 700 is also a ‘fixed formation’ train, meaning they can’t be split into shorter formations – they will always present at stations as eight or twelve cars in length.

AccessibilityClass 700s are designed to be more easily accessible than any previous generation of train stock and are fully compliant with the latest disability legislation.

Wheelchair access for passengers with specific mobility needs is much much improved, with lots of space inside the trains for wheelchairs. Wide doors and aisles make it

easier for passengers with reduced mobility to get on and off and move around the train.

Fully accessible toilets have also been provided, located intuitively in the centre of the train. The passenger information screens on the train shows when these toilets are free or occupied.

World leading technologyThe Class 700 is the first ‘second generation’ digital train which is software driven, allowing for easier diagnosis and fixing of faults.

Advanced, data-driven technology significantly enhances customer service information and train maintenance management.

The Class 700 was also specified to have the capability to operate advanced signalling technologies.

These are the European Train Control System, an in-cab signalling system that allows trains to run closer together, and Automatic Train Operation, which means the train's movements are automated and regulated between St Pancras and Blackfriars.

In the future, this combination of signalling systems will deliver the targeted 24 trains per hour capacity in the core area. This is the world’s first implementation of such technology on a mainline ‘heavy’ railway.

The Class 700 in numbers• Number of new carriages: 1,140

• Number of new trains: 115 (55 x 12-car, 60 x 8-car)

• Total number of seats: 672 (12 car), 433 (8 car)

• Total capacity: 1,754 passengers (12 car), 1,146 (8 car)

• Length of trains: 242m (12 car), 162m (8 car)

• Weight of trains: 410t (12 car), 278 tonnes (8 car)

• Maximum speed: 100mph / 160kph

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