Thameslink train contract to be signed off

The Department for Transport (DfT) could be just days away from signing off the £1.6 billion Thameslink rolling stock contract.

After being announced as the preferred bidder in 2011, Siemens has finally been confirmed as the supplier of 1,140 new carriages for the Thameslink programme.

The controversial deal has been heavily criticised in the UK because of the possible impact it could have on Bombardier’s train manufacturing site in Derby.

However, after being named as the preferred bidder two years ago, Siemens said the deal would create up to 300 jobs at its factory in South Tyneside.

What is known as an Alcatel standstill period, which will last for at least 10 days, must now be completed before any final announcement can be made, the DfT has said.




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