Thameslink (train operating company)

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Franchise(s):	Thameslink 2 March 1997–31 March 2006
Main stations(s):	Bedford, Luton, Kings Cross, Brighton
Other stations(s):	Luton Airport, Blackfriars, London Bridge, Gatwick Airport, Wimbledon
Fleet size:	74 Class 319 dual-voltage sets
Stations called at:	56 (26 operated)
Parent company:	Govia (Go-Ahead Group / Keolis)

Thameslink was a train operating company in the United Kingdom, run by Govia (a joint venture between Go-Ahead Group and Keolis — previously Via-GTI, renamed following its acquisition by SNCF). It operated the London commuter railway line known by the same name. Govia acquired the franchise from March 2, 1997 for seven years and a day. This period was subsequently extended by two years.

Two services were run: the 'CityFlier' ran between Brighton on the south coast through London to Bedford, and the 'CityMetro' consisted of trains running on the slow lines from Luton to London and to a loop connecting Streatham with Sutton and Wimbledon. First Capital Connect still run services in this way today and show the services as such on their maps, but the services have lost their individual branding.

The Thameslink train livery was that of a navy blue, with a white-bordered yellow stripe running the length of the train below the windows.

With the expiration of Govia’s franchise, the Thameslink line was combined with those wagn services remaining after the creation of the ‘Greater Anglia’ franchise (now operated by National Express East Anglia), to form the new Thameslink/Great Northern group. This franchise has been awarded to First Capital Connect, who took over operations on 1 April 2006. Govia were not invited to bid for the new franchise. [1]

[edit] Fleet

Class	Image	Type	Top speed		Number	Built
			mph	km/h
Class 319		electric multiple unit	100	160	74	1987 - 1991

[edit] See also

• Thameslink
• First Capital Connect

[edit] External links

• Internet archive of official site as at 30 March 2005