Bombardier wins £145m deal for Gatwick Express trains

Canadian train builder BombardierTransportation has won a £145m deal to build trains for Britain's Gatwick Express rail service.Bombardier has won the contract for 27 four-car Electrostar trains from the Govia Thameslink rail franchise, which runs routes stretching from Bedford and Peterborough to Brighton and the south coast.Govia is a joint venture between UK transport group Go-Ahead and Keolis, the UK arm of French state railway SNCF.Bombardier will make the 108 carriages at its plant in Derby in the East Midlands. They will have easier access for passengers with luggage, improved storage space, two-by-two seating and WiFi.Charles Horton of Govia said: "This is great news for our Gatwick passengers, but also for those travelling from Brighton as in the off-peak season, some of these trains will be extended to there, while still maintaining the fast connection between Victoria and Gatwick."