Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has started operating Class 379 electric multiple units (EMUs) on its Great Northern and Thameslink services. The fleet, consisting of 30 four-car units, was acquired by rolling stock leasing company Porterbrook in March 2024 and reactivated by Alstom before entering service.
The units were originally built between 2010 and 2011 at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane facility for Stansted Express services. They have been adapted for their new operational role, featuring updated passenger information systems, accessibility features, and onboard charging sockets.
The additional units will allow for a redistribution of Class 387 trains, which will be redeployed to support Southern and Southeastern services. GTR has linked the fleet expansion to timetable changes scheduled for December 2025, which will affect routes north of London, including Cambridge and King’s Lynn.
The upcoming timetable revision follows infrastructure upgrades on the East Coast Main Line. Adjustments include additional peak-time services, modifications to stopping patterns, and faster journey times on certain routes. Provisions have also been made for future operational changes, such as the expected opening of Cambridge South station.
