Eversholt Rail today announced that it has entered into a long–term agreement to provide project and asset management services to Cross London Trains, the consortium providing the new fleet of Siemens Desiro City Class 700 trains to be operated on the Thameslink routes.

The Thameslink programme is a major rolling stock, signalling and infrastructure project which is designed to improve the London commuter network by allowing the introduction of longer trains at a frequency of up to 24 trains an hour in each direction through the capital between St Pancras and Blackfriars stations.

Cross London Trains was selected by the Department for Transport to acquire and finance new rolling stock for the Thameslink service, which is currently operated by First Capital Connect. The trains are being built and will be maintained by Siemens.

The services to be provided by Eversholt Rail, under the 22 year agreement, will include project management during the build and delivery of the rolling stock and then long–term asset management, including both technical and commercial support to Cross London Trains.

Eversholt Rail has more than 16 years’ experience in the procurement and through-life asset management of new rolling stock and the provision of maintenance and enhancements of existing stock. The Cross London Trains agreement will provide a significant opportunity for the company to utilise its proven skills and expertise for the benefit of new entrants to the market.

Mary Kenny, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Cross London Trains and to be helping new financiers to bring new trains to the UK market. The Thameslink programme is one of the most important enhancement projects taking place anywhere on the UK rail network and we look forward to working both with Cross London Trains and First Capital Connect as a close and supportive partner.”