‘717s’ in warm storage as GTR withdraws first ‘313’

The first Class 313 has been withdrawn from traffic by Govia Thameslink Railway.

Used on GTR’s Great Northern network, three-car 313026 has been stopped at Hornsey. It will donate components to classmates.

The electric multiple units (EMUs) date from 1976-77, when they were introduced on newly electrified GN routes as well as the Moorgate branch.

GTR is replacing them with 25 six-car Class 717 EMUs built by Siemens. The ‘717s’ were supposed to enter traffic last year, but it was decided to delay that until such time as GTR Class 700s were operating sufficiently reliably.

On February 25, two ‘717s’ ran to West Worthing for warm storage (717021/025), while six remain at Dollands Moor in a similar state.

A GTR spokesman told RAIL on February 26: “We are determined to transform passengers’ journeys by replacing their cramped, outdated 40-year-old trains, which are the oldest electrical units in mainland Britain, with fully accessible, spacious, modern airconditioned units with the latest in passenger information.

“The Northern City Line between Moorgate and Drayton Park runs through 115-year-old single-bore tunnels with many unique operating conditions and requirements. These are the first new trains to operate there in 40 years. Introducing them safely involves thoroughly reviewing and revising the established operating processes, which takes time.

“However, we expect to have our first two trains in operation soon, providing space for over 10% more passengers on every service.”