Thameslink trains begin running through Canal Tunnels

THROUGH Thameslink trains started running between Peterborough/Cambridge and Brighton/Horsham via the Canal Tunnels on February 26.

“Opening the tunnels for passenger trains between the East Coast Main Line and Thameslink at St Pancras International is a great achievement,” said Network Rail Thameslink Programme Director Simon Blanchflower.

“It marks the final major infrastructure piece in the jigsaw that opens up the full future Thameslink network and its northsouth travel opportunities across London.”

Chris Gibb, chairman of the Thameslink Programme Industry Readiness Board, said in November that the Canal Tunnels trains were due to start in April ( RAIL 840), but they have started running early.

Govia Thameslink Railway Chief Operating Officer Nick Brown said: “This is a landmark moment. As part of our RailPlan 20/20 modernisation plans, we are building on the foundations laid by the Government-sponsored Thameslink Programme to increase capacity and reliability on Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern - Britain’s most congested railway. This incorporates modernised infrastructure, trains and technology and working practices.”

Using Siemens Class 700s, GTR operated two trains between Peterborough and Horsham, and one round trip between Cambridge

NIGEL HARRIS. GTR 700128 negotiates Metropolitan Junction (near London Bridge), as it heads for the newly rebuilt station with the 0946 Peterborough-Horsham.

ADRIAN WHITE. GTR 700134 arrives at Blackfriars with the first northbound Thameslink service for the Great Northern network on February 26. The 12-car electric multiple unit was working the 1000 Horsham-Peterborough.