First Capital Connect has announced that it has secured an additional Class 319 unit to improve capacity on its Thameslink route. From 10 December, an extra four carriages, providing 316 extra seats, will be available to ease crowding during peak time travel periods in and out of London.

The four-car unit will strengthen current services enabling an eight-car train to be operated at key times. The train has been made available following discussions with First Capital Connect, Southern Railway and the Department for Transport.

“I am delighted to announce that 316 extra seats will be available in the morning and evening peak periods from December. We recognise this is a small but critical step to improve the journey experience of our customers by helping to reduce overcrowding” said Elaine Holt, Managing Director, First Capital Connect. We are committed to increasing capacity on this line and will continue to explore ways of providing further additional seats. However, due to the dual power requirements and limited clearances on the Thameslink line, there are very few types of train that are compatible with operating the route and the Class 319 is the best solution. There are 86 of these trains in operation on the UK rail network, and First Capital Connect now has access to 74. We are glad that Southern Railway has supported our efforts to provide additional capacity to our customers on this route and we will continue to work closely with the Department for Transport to attempt to secure additional trains for this line.”