Southern Trains

[First Class]

RE: Southern Trains
Department for Transport.

RE: the 377/6 "additional" units being moved to TPE/EMT:

Quote:If Southern progresses with the procurement, these 116 new vehicles, and potentially 140 more, could initially be used on the Thameslink routes. Once the expected new Thameslink trains are operational these carriages will be moved to the newly electrified routes, which would include the Midland Main Line to Corby and North Transpennine Routes.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/depar...n-builders

I see no reason why the order would not progress. The Thameslink new stock contract is **almost** sorted. Government can't have diesels running under newly electrified lines, so will need new electric stock in the next couple of years. A large order, managed by one TOC can substantially reduce unit costs making it cost effective and a good PR exercise, as well as genuinely improving the UK rail network.

RE: the 377/6 being designed on the 379 body:
http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2011/12/2...rdier.html
TPE/EMT are not going to get units with a commuter interior, therefore, it is reasonable to assume that something resembling the Class 379 (and 185) saloon is likely.