Thameslink (train operating company 1997-2006)
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| Overview | |
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| Franchise(s): |
Thameslink 2 March 1997 – 31 March 2006 |
| Main stations(s): |
Bedford, King's 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) |
| National Rail abbreviation: | TR |
| Parent company: | Govia (Go-Ahead/Keolis) |
Thameslink was a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by Govia that operated the Thameslink franchise from March 1997 until March 2006. The franchise was due to end on 31 March 2004, but on 13 February 2004 the Strategic Rail Authority awarded Govia a two-year extension.
Thameslink operated passenger services from Bedford via the Thameslink route to London Moorgate, Sutton, Wimbledon and Brighton.
Thameslink inherited a fleet of 66 Class 319s from Network SouthEast.
During 2002, Thameslink hired two Class 317s from West Anglia Great Northern for services to Moorgate. Thameslink received some extra Class 319s from Southern in 2004.
From September 2004 until May 2005, Class 317s were hired from West Anglia Great Northern to operate Bedford to St Pancras services while the Thameslink line was severed for six months for the new St Pancras station to be built.
Thameslink's fleet was originally maintained at Depot under sub-contract by Connex South Central/Southern. With the Thameslink line to be severed for six months, Bedford Cauldwell depot was built in 2004. It progressively took over all work from Selhurst.
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