Turnkey Project for Govia Thameslink Railway

(Derby, 7. November 2017) Having successfully provided detailed engineering designs and approvals for this project, this follow on order is for the procurement, kitting and installation of PRM compliant material onto Southern’s fleet of  Class 455/8 units.

DB ESG, part of Deutsche Bahn, is delighted to announce that it has received a contract from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to make their fleet of 46 4-car electric multiple units more compliant with the DfT’s Technical Standards for Interopeability for Persons with Reduced Mobility (TSI PRM).

Earlier in the year DB ESG produced the detailed engineering and design modifications necessary to ensure that the Eversholt Rail Group owned Class 455 units can remain in passenger service after the 1st January 2020.

GTR have now asked DB ESG to undertake the physical PRM work necessary to ensure compliance. This includes supplying and installing new external sounders and door control push button panels, together with new internal door sounder units. DB ESG has developed a new inter-vehicle gangway door lever handle and will supply and install 276 door latch assemblies. A new PRM compliant seating layout and changes to the vestibule door control push buttons will also be provided.

DB ESG is very familiar with the Class 455 vehicles, having completed several projects on them over the past 6 years, including the installation of cab cooling, remote condition monitoring, CCTV, energy metering and a driver advisory system. They also have considerable experience of similar PRM projects, having undertaken design modification work on the Class 165, 166, 465/2, 465/9 and 466 units.

Commenting on this announcement, Nick Goodhand, Managing Director DB ESG, said: “This additional order demonstrates the quality of the work completed for GTR. We have considerable experience of working both with the Class 455 units and on PRM projects. We therefore fully understand the work that is required to make these vehicles compliant.“

GTR Engineering Director Gerry McFadden added: "While our modernisation plans have seen the introduction of many classes of new, fully accessible rolling stock, it is just as important that we make our existing trains accessible for all. This project will make a huge difference to passengers with restricted mobility, visual and hearing impairments."

The installation work should commence in January 2018 and the work should be completed by February 2018.

Note for editors:

For media enquiries contact Heidi Lee, Communications Manager, ESG Rail – 01332 483 849 (mobile - 07870 958043) or email: heidi.lee@deutschebahn.com

About ESG Rail - ESG Rail is the route to market for DB’s technology expertise. As part of the DB Group, ESG provides innovative, value-led strategic advice, technical consultancy and technology integration. Based in Derby, home to the largest cluster of railway companies in the world, ESG is a leading rolling stock consultancy and provides services to many of the UK’s train operators, manufacturers, owners and maintainers.