Thameslink (train operating company)

Thameslink was a train operating company in the United Kingdom, run by Govia (a joint venture between Go-Ahead Group and Keolis — previously Via-GTI, renamed following its acquisition by SNCF). It operated the London commuter railway line known by the same name. When the state owned operation British Rail was broken up, Govia was awarded the franchise from 2 March 1997 for seven years and a day. This period was subsequently extended by two years. Driver depots for the new company were established at the pre-existing locations of Bedford on the London Midland region, and Brighton on the Southern region. In 1999 an additional depot was created at Blackfriars in the city of London. Two services were run: the 'CityFlier' ran between Brighton on the south coast through London to Bedford, and the 'CityMetro' consisted of trains running from Luton and St Albans to London and to a loop connecting Streatham with Sutton and Wimbledon. First Capital Connect still run services in this way today and show the services as such on their maps, but the services have lost their individual branding. The Thameslink train livery was that of a navy blue, with a white-bordered yellow stripe running the length of the train below the windows. When Govia’s franchise expired, the Thameslink route was combined with those WAGN services remaining after the creation of the ‘Greater Anglia’ franchise (now operated by National Express East Anglia), to form the new Thameslink/Great Northern group. This franchise has been awarded to First Capital Connect, who took over operations on 1 April 2006. Govia were not invited to bid for the new franchise.