Gatwick Express - Gatwick Express Express Service - C

Gatwick Express - C

Gatwick Express Express Service

In May 1984, the non-stop Gatwick Express service began, using Class 73s with Mark 2 carriages. Later, the duties we taken over by Class 488 and Class 489. A 30-minute journey time was advertised, although some journeys would take nearer 35 minutes, especially during peak hours.

Gatwick Express Privatisation

Gatwick Express was the first portion of British Rail's InterCity sector to be converted into a separate train operating unit, ready for franchising as a private business with the assets transferred to Gatwick Express Limited in March 1994.

The Gatwick Express franchise was awarded by the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising to National Express with the franchise starting on 28 April 1996.

Gatwick Express Operated by Southern

In April 2007 the Department for Transport announced that the Gatwick Express franchise was to be incorporated into the South Central franchise and the services transferred to Southern on 22 June 2008.

On 20 August 2008 the Department for Transport announced that Abellio, Govia, National Express and Stagecoach had been shortlisted to bid for the new South Central franchise. On 9 June 2009 the Department for Transport announced that Govia had retained the franchise, beginning on 20 September 2009.

Gatwick Express Overview

Gatwick Express Franchise(s):

Gatwick Trains

28 April 1996 – 22 June 2008

Part of the South Central franchise

22 June 2008 - 25 July 2015

Part of the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise

26 July 2015 – 31 March 2025

Gatwick Express Main Route(s): London Victoria – Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Express Other Route(s): Brighton

Gatwick Express Fleet Size:

18 Class 387

Gatwick Express Stations Called At: 7

Gatwick Express Stations Operated: 0

Gatwick Express Parent Company: Govia Thameslink Railway

Gatwick Express Reporting Mark: GX

Gatwick Express Technical Length: 43.3 kilometres (26.9 mi)

Gatwick Express Route

London Victoria

Gatwick Airport

Haywards Heath

Burgess Hill

Hassocks

Preston Park

Brighton

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