Govia Thameslink Railway’s new fleet of Siemens Class 717 trains are being phased into service over the next few months. Starting last month, all 25 of the new six-carriage trains are due to run on the Great Northern routes by late summer.
The new 100mph trains will see an 11% increase in capacity for each journey (100 people) and bring new features such as interconnected carriages, the latest accessibility features, and a brand new ‘snow mode’ that improves the trains’ ability to operate in difficult winter conditions.
Icomera was selected to deliver the onboard Wi-Fi service, allowing GTR’s passengers to use their travel time productively or helping them to relax and unwind during their journey.
Gerry McFadden, GTR’s Engineering Director said: “We are transforming our passengers’ journeys by replacing their cramped, outdated 40-year-old trains, which are the oldest electrical units in mainland Britain, with fully-accessible, spacious, modern air-conditioned units with the latest in passenger information, onboard WiFi and power points at every pair of seats.”
Dave Palmer, Icomera’s UK Managing Director, said “We are very pleased to have been working with GTR and Siemens on this project and look forward to our onboard Wi-Fi service further strengthening the passenger experience that GTR currently provide their customers.”
