Thameslink helps passengers

Passengers with restricted mobility on the Thameslink line that connects Gatwick and Luton airports will soon have the use of specially modified carriages offering wheelchair friendly toilets and specially reserved spaces.  Two trains are already in service with 78 more to follow.  Also featured are new sounders for both the opening and closing of doors and on-board electronic information screens and automated public address announcements (set to go live shortly).

The trains, being upgraded by rolling stock owning company Porterbrook, are the older Class 319 trains that operate the Thameslink route.  This is a temporary measure until the brand new Class 387 trains on the Brighton to Bedford route join the service in 2016.  These will feature inbuilt facilities for the disabled as standard.

Keith Jipps, Customer Service Director of Thameslink, said: “Since we took over Thameslink services in September, we have announced the introduction of a brand new fleet of modern trains.  Now we can confirm the upgrade of the older trains on the route.

“This is great news for Thameslink passengers with restricted mobility.  The new wheelchair accessible toilets are fresh and modern and the newly widened priority areas will make journeys easier and more comfortable.”   www.thameslinkrailway.com

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