THE first of Southern’s 17 refurbished Class 442 emus for extended Gatwick Express services to Brighton has been unveiled in its new colours at Brighton station.

The 20-year-old former SWT ‘Wessex Electric’ five-car set has undergone transformation for its new role at Railcare’s Wolverton works.

The train has been reliveried to match the purpose-built Class 460 Gatwick Express units as part of a £10 million conversion programme to adapt the Class 442s for commuters and airport passengers.

The former first class compartments, bar, ‘snug’ and two of the six toilets have been removed to increase seating and luggage capacity, and additional wheelchair space has been created.

The refurbished train features more airline-style seating, additional luggage racks, CCTV and new multi-lingual audio and visual passenger information systems.
Part of the DfT’s Brighton Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy, the extension of six Gatwick Express services to and from Brighton has in-creased London Victoria morning and evening peak capacity by 2,000 seats – almost 11 per cent.

The trains call at Haywards Heath and other stations to Gatwick Airport before running fast to London Victoria, with a similar reverse pattern during evening peaks.

Passengers using the extended services will experience traditional Gatwick Express features, including a 30-minute non-stop journey between Gatwick airport and London, the ability to buy tickets on board, a catering service and dedicated staff to help on trains and stations.

Managing director of Southern and Gatwick Express Chris Burchell said: “In linking the UK’s second largest airport to one of the most cosmopolitan of seaside cities we have enhanced our offer for tourists and local residents.”