London, 2017-Oct-09
Families, train enthusiasts and rail users are invited to visit Three Bridges traincare facility which is opening its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday 14 October as part of Rail Week 2017. The event is hosted by Siemens, in partnership with operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Network Rail.
Three Bridges opened two years ago and is one of the newest and largest train maintenance facilities in the country at 1.4 miles long with stabling capacity for 172 carriages. The site is home to the new Siemens Desiro City Class 700 fleet which is being introduced on the Thameslink route by Govia Thameslink Railway, as part of Network Rail’s Thameslink Programme. The fleet is manufactured and maintained by Siemens.
Visitors to Three Bridges will be able to see the state-of-the-art trains close up, take a walk underneath a train in the maintenance pit, sit in a driver’s cab, watch a bogie removal demonstration, have an opportunity to go in the simulator and see what’s involved in keeping the trains safe, reliable and comfortable for the travelling public. You can also find out about careers within the rail industry and opportunities to join Siemens.
Vernon Barker, Managing Director of Rail Systems at Siemens, said:
“Siemens regularly opens one of its train maintenance sites to the public as part of our very popular ‘Whistle Stop Tour’ series to give adults and children a rare behind-the-scenes look at an operational rail depot and to inspire tomorrow’s rail engineers to join the industry.
“These events are only possible with the support of our customers and partners, so we are very pleased to be hosting the event with GTR at Three Bridges where we are currently working together to introduce one of the most technologically advanced fleet of trains in the UK, the Class 700.”
Gerry McFadden, Engineering Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, said:
"Opening up Three Bridges to the public provides a unique opportunity for the community to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a modern depot.
"Three Bridges is a key example of how GTR is utilising technological improvements to improve services for passengers as part of our work to modernise our fleet, working practices and infrastructure."
Simon Blanchflower, Thameslink Programme Director for Network Rail, said:
“This is a brilliant opportunity for passengers to have a look behind-the-scenes at Three Bridges and to learn about what it takes to keep our railway going each day.
“The Three Bridges depot was built as part of the Thameslink Programme, a massive investment Programme that is transforming passengers’ journeys to and through London with flagship new stations, upgraded track and signaling and, of course, the modern, longer Class 700 trains.”
Here’s all the info you need to know to plan your visit on 14 October:
- No booking is required for the Three Bridges Traincare Facility Open Day on 14 October and the event is FREE to visit. Just turn up!
- We’ll be open from 10:00 – 17:00 on Saturday 14 October, with last entry at 16:00. We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
- The depot is unsuitable for children under the age of 3 years old and no buggies / pushchairs can be accommodated on site due to space restrictions
- As a working train maintenance facility, there are some uneven surfaces and unavoidable stairs to climb to visit some of the attractions. Anyone in a wheelchair or requiring assistance should please let us know in advance at info.railsystems.gb@siemens.com and we will advise further. All visitors are advised to wear flat, comfortable shoes as it’s also one of the longest train maintenance sites, so quite a bit of walking will be involved in your visit.
- No parking is available on site (except for pre-booked disabled parking), therefore please use public transport. The site is located a short walk from Three Bridges train station where there is also a large chargeable public car park. Anyone requiring a disabled parking space should contact us at info.railsystems.gb@siemens.com in advance and also display their blue badge on the day.
- Although the event is free, the event is raising money for its two partner charities Mind in Haringey and St. Catherine’s hospice
- There will be stalls, refreshments and entertainment for all the family so bring some change!
For further information, please visit www.siemens.co.uk/whistlestoptour
Contact for journalists
Helena Shadbolt, MHP
Phone: 07872 129033
E-mail: helena.shadbolt@mhpc.com
Silke Thomson-Pottebohm, Siemens
Phone: 07808 822780
E-mail: silke.thomson-pottebohm@siemens.com
Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/siemensuknews
About Siemens
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens generated revenue of €79.6 billion and net income of €5.6 billion. At the end of September 2016, the company had around 351,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.
