1. Train Performance Challenges
Driver Availability
Biggest recruitment and training programme in the UK
Extra drivers needed so we don’t rely on overtime and rest days
More services to resource at each timetable change.
Huge training program for new fleets, services, new depots, routes
Takes over a year to train a driver. 250hrs practical training & 840hrs learning theory
Since January 2015, we brought in 58 newly trained-up drivers on GN
We have a further 80 drivers in training on GN.
Hornsey Depot remodelling and re-signalling – 12 drivers a day training
Ageing Train Fleet – 40, 35, 28 and 21 years old.
New trains – approx. 2,900 days of training planned this year.
Network Rail Infrastructure – Good working relationship, improving
reliability, significant work undertaken on the Northern City Line. Trespass
a rising problem
Moorgate – Dec 15 changes recognises growing demand to access night time economy of Moorgate/Old Street area (has been a key aspiration for London Travel Watch) and paves the way for more connectivity when Crossrail opens in Improves cross-platform access to / from Victoria Line at Highbury & Islington and integration with London Overground
Access to Moorgate from about 06:00 – midnight weekdays and at weekends
Continued interchange with Kings Cross services at Finsbury Park
Gatwick X - 27 brand new trains, 12ct (instead of 10), 2 double doors to allow quicker boarding and alighting, more seats including in the 1 class compartment. 2+2 seating with power points, WIFI, air-conditioning, more luggage space, accessible toilets
Moorgate - New fleet of 6-car air conditioned trains to replace the 40 year old Class 313 trains by the end of December 2018 (Air con, RTI) manufacturer yet to be appointed

2. Improving services and capacity
December 2015 – New timetable, Moorgate operating hours extended to run until midnight at evenings and weekends (growing demand for leisure access and interchange with LUL and LOROL services at Highbury & Islington)
Fleet Maintenance – Ongoing heavy maintenance works on class 365 units, 317 units and 313 units (Moorgate).
Summer / Autumn 2016 – Electrostar trains introduction replacing class 317 and 321 units
2017– Class 700 trains introduced on GN
By end New fleet to provide increased capacity on the Moorgate line
May 2018 Welwyn Garden City / Hertford Line staged increase of off-peak and Saturday frequency increasing to 4tph by December
Dec Welwyn Garden City: In the peak 2tph to/from Welwyn Garden City operate through central London and additional Hertford and Welwyn to Moorgate peak services.
Moorgate – Dec 15 changes recognises growing demand to access night time economy of Moorgate/Old Street area (has been a key aspiration for London Travel Watch) and paves the way for more connectivity when Crossrail opens in Improves cross-platform access to / from Victoria Line at Highbury & Islington and integration with London Overground
Access to Moorgate from about 06:00 – midnight weekdays and at weekends
Continued interchange with Kings Cross services at Finsbury Park
Gatwick X - 27 brand new trains, 12ct (instead of 10), 2 double doors to allow quicker boarding and alighting, more seats including in the 1 class compartment. 2+2 seating with power points, WIFI, air-conditioning, more luggage space, accessible toilets
Moorgate - New fleet of 6-car air conditioned trains to replace the 40 year old Class 313 trains by the end of December 2018 (Air con, RTI) manufacturer yet to be appointed

3. Brand new Moorgate trains
On 22 December we announced Siemens as the preferred bidder for the new train fleet for Great Northern suburban services.
The order will be for 25 six-car units (150 vehicles), of a variant of the Class 700, which is being built for the new Thameslink service.
Replace Class 313 trains built in 1976
Enter service by the end of 2018 on routes to and from Welwyn, Hertford and Stevenage.
Key features
Fixed length with full width inter-vehicle gangways, creating more space for passengers on board (there are no intermediate cabs)
Air-conditioning
The latest in passenger information systems with real-time information
Fully accessible and compliant with disability legislation
Power points throughout