 first train in gtrs 55 million fleet modernisation programme is back in service the first of 270 trains in govia thameslink railways gtrs 55 million fleet modernisation programme has returned to service with a host of new features designed to improve passengers journeys the trains form the uks biggest fleet of electrostars the most common type of electric powered train built since rail privatisation in the 1990s the derby built air conditioned trains have been very successful and gtrs electrostars have been in service for up to 20 years the first updated train emerged from gtrs selhurst depot in south london on 5 february its enhancements range from new information screens usb power points and energy saving led lighting to passenger counting technology and high tech on board operational systems that cut the time trains spend out of service for maintenance or repair the screens will display up to the minute gtr and london underground service information the passenger counting sensors will allow gtr to better analyse how busy individual services are helping to adjust timetables to support essential travel and social distancing bringing every train up to the same modern standards with common features across the whole fleet allows gtrs engineers to streamline routine maintenance and repairs that keeps each electrostar out in service for longer reducing delays and cancellations to accelerate maintenance and improve reliability still further a new smart on train data recorder will help predict and diagnose faults which means that some problems can be fixed without returning to the depot and cctv cameras will film the track in front of the train to help analyse incidents that delay the service the 55 million programme is funded by porterbrook the train owner from whom gtr leases the fleets gtrs engineering director steve lammin said these electrostars are great trains taking on board our passengers feedback this comprehensive upgrade will provide an even better on board experience and more reliability our team at selhurst depot has used this first train to develop and learn all the complex processes involved in fitting the new features guided by the trains manufacturer bombardier were now testing our new knowledge on the second train and as we gradually speed up the work more and more passengers will notice the benefits over the coming years im really pleased that gtr is working with porterbrook and bombardier to build back a better railway for our customers in support of the countrys post coronavirus recovery plan mary grant porterbrook chief executive officer said we are committed to supporting gtr in meeting the expectations of todays customers porterbrook will be investing a total of 100m in upgrading our entire electrostar fleet operated by gtr over the coming years this initial 55m investment will deliver significantly enhanced passenger facilities as well as improve train reliability through the use of data analytics i am also delighted that gtrs own highly skilled selhurst depot team will be delivering this upgrade programme on our behalf the majority of gtrs electrostars 214 of the 270 are class 377s between 15 and 20 years old which provide suburban and commuter services on the southern network between london surrey sussex and the south coast gtr will also upgrade the 56 relatively new class 387s on great northern and gatwick express routes to bring all its electrostars up to the same standards extending their longevity by ensuring that they meet todays passenger expectations see gtrs press release here 