First Automatic Thameslink Train in Passenger Service

[@TheProfessorofFilm]

I had no idea I was a train nerd. Found you through the Londonist now I’m loving all the nerdy train information. Your videos are great, informative, and really enjoyable. Thank you Geoff.

[@elliothutcheson3930]

literally the same as me

[@Joris_VB]

2:52 "ETCS" stands for "European Train Control System" it's what high speed trains such as Eurostar, and tgv etc.. use.

[@grassytramtracks]

The Eurostar use TVM-430 which is a French system (TVM stands for transmission voie machine which means track to train transmission)

[@topmark99]

"Surely, you can't be serious?" Nicely done Richard Messingham

[@JoelHudson]

Mark Harper Don't call me Shirley!

[@sennaluong]

I am serious and don't call me Shirley

[@JohnTalbot-k6xi]

Best explanation I’ve seen so far of how the system works + all the hardworking folks behind the scenes (!!) The real people of the Railway

[@cythrosi]

This makes me sad that the Washington Metro has had this for years but it's been disabled because of poor maintenance and operation and design flaws. Congrats to Thameslink for showing that it can still be done.

[@barnabynorman157]

Its amazing that with all that wonderful technology they still manage to have regular delays and cancelling trains through the core most weekends! Great video thank you for sharing.

[@MrRoadRunner147]

Every time I see some good news/milestone in London's transport network I think "yay another Geoff video soon"

[@PodgyAsthmatic]

Chris!!! WE love Chris!!! More Chris please!!!

[@SteveMorton]

They make a great double act!

[@davidhcobbald3632]

Yes! 👍

[@mercifulzeus01]

"Doors will open automatically at the next station" is what I heard approaching Blackfriars for the first time yesterday (although I haven't been through that way for a few months).

[@EricMBlog]

It's been a while since I've heard GSM buzz. Ahh, brings back the memories.

[@CyclicPilot]

I've enjoyed the music choices in your recent videos. It suits your style, and it's not so distinctive or busy that it detracts from what's going on in the video. Sincerely, The Silent Majority

[@trainsgochoochoo]

Please mind the intelligence gap, between the video and the comments.

[@kbproductionsgaming]

Nicely done!

[@DanceswithDustBunnies]

Best comment award.

[@officialDragonMap]

This is a KZbin comment service to nowhere.

[@unitedrail-mainchannel8991]

159 !

[@wta1518]

Yeah, like the people who put unnecessary commas in their comments.

[@phillipportnoi1839]

Hello Geoff my name is Samuel I am 10 years old and I love you channel also today I went on a Thameslink cab ride from Haywards Heath to Finsbury Park and back and we went throw the tunnels were the train goes automatic and it looks so wired when the driver is not touching the handle but at the same time it looks so cool and it also looks like the underground a bit when you go throw the tunnels and it is also looks cool when they switch over to the over head wire.

[@janekt248]

I am serious... and don't call me Shirley!

[@bonez319]

I truly hope that someone made that response on the video... why would you cut that out?

[@janekt248]

John Peat The Cheetah. Next?

[@josephkarl2061]

Jan T Given that the train is driving on instruments, I'd also expect to hear a bit of Saint James Infirmary or Jazz Me Blues coming from the cab...

[@janekt248]

Joseph Karl Depends how far off course they are. Benny Goodman would be better than option C!

[@josephkarl2061]

Jan T In the movie, its Dixieland jazz, hence my choices :-)

[@arfski]

There is nothing worse on the phone than hearing yourself telling yourself how important your own call is whilst your on hold, when it's your voice used for all the announcements for your organisation...

[@TukayAway]

Caught a train from Farringdon to London last night. This explains why the driver was resting chin in his hands and leaning on the dashboard as the train pulled in! I did think it odd that he didn't have any hands on the controls...

[@metropod]

The subway line here in New York that I ride to work is automated and I swear I once saw the train operator eating something as the train came in.

[@EpicThe112]

@@metropod those are only found on 7 and L trains soon the Queens Boulevard line E F M and R trains system for it is the Siemens CBTC so that you can give 8313-8376 to the M train

[@metropod]

EpicThe112 I know. It was the L train. I was trying to avoid going into details to prevent anyone getting in trouble.

[@TheArkamedBat]

ATO drives very smoothly. Comfortable for passengers.

[@Rega128]

very cool Geoff :-D great to see Chris again as well!

[@marc21091]

They pass through the closed Kings Cross Thameslink station at 7:36 . The narrow platform can be seen. No wonder it could not continue in use - today's passenger volume could never have been handled there safely.

[@StarshineBomber]

There is a similar System in the RER A in Paris, the whole central part of the RER A (Between Nanterre Université and Vincennes) is fully automated to allow more trains per hours, called SACEM, so it pilots the train automatically so one can wait like 2 or 3 meters behind the train at the platform. And full automatic operation of the train will come early 2019 on the line to allow again more trains and a 5km/h speed increase It will be renewed during the 2019-2022 period to work along with NExTEO that operates on other lines.

[@bobstacey9311]

I remember commuting on the Victoria line in the early 80’s when trains would arrive at Finsbury Park with the “driver” feet up, reading a newspaper, the Victoria line having been designed to be driverless, subsequently commuted on truly driverless trains on the Dubai metro and currently Doha metro were you can grab the “drivers eye view” seat looking out of the front of the train, mind boggling technology

[@Sam-ht5dk]

Heard Matt on one of the welwyn garden city station announcements the other day.

[@RyanLind]

I think the annoying thing about the music was that your volume when you speak and the music was different.... maybe in post you could adjust the levels to the same... And yeah I agree C is the better choice.

[@patricescattolin43]

Ryan Lind THIS when I watch late at night I turn up the volume to understand Geoff and then the music comes on much louder and I wake everybody up!

[@RyanLind]

I was watching the Crossrail one yesterday (can't remember what station) the one with 18 degree tiles on the floor... and I had it semi loud then the music comes BOOOM!

[@gtavstepfordcounty1733]

Ryan Lind I rather have no music

[@SignalBox]

Yeah, personally I think the music should be quieter than speech. I find myself adjusting the volume all the time because it's just too loud!

[@SimonHollandfilms]

love the music....the dialogue was clear as a bell. but i would say that, i'm a TV music editor...ha

[@harveydee9115]

Brilliant Video Geoff! Great as always!

[@f1stc47]

We need Chris back in more videos. He's great. :p

[@10reubenl]

I was also going to say the same thing about the music! I'm glad you took it into account.

[@SteveMorton]

Excellent video Geoff and Happy Birthday! Very Casey with the music!

[@joelstevens2697]

Who's complaining about the music being annoying?! Music has been awesome lately, keep using it!

[@norfolkman1]

As the instigator of the great music debate I congratulate you on the noteworthy improvement. Belated birthday greetings Geoff.

[@Wasserfeld.]

Used Thameslink yesterday from St Pancras to London Bridge. It was great to be able to do that again after all these years. Had wifi and tables finally installed too. Thameslink (and Crossrail) will be great once complete.

[@leqin]

Please DO NOT do the video of the emergency procedure required if the inflatable train driver begins to deflate.

[@KyunaCookies]

Nigel Oulton ahahahahahahhaha, I love airplane

[@jamesrivis620]

You and Chris are totally hilarious...... loved the video.

[@johnrafferty5284]

Another Great Vid Geof. you superstar!!!. Not seen a bad one yet. Hats off

[@Sim0nTrains]

I do love that movie Airplane! :) nice piece of an historic video Geoff

[@theundeniablegem]

And because of the power of Matt's voice, I have now subscribed to Geoff's channel! (Kidding, was already subscribed)

[@ianinvancouverbc]

Are there other automated rail systems in the UK ? Our "Skytrain" here in Vancouver has been automated since 1986, some have said it is still running on the same PC lol - hopefully not.

[@FrankyLon]

DLR (Docklands Light Railway) is fully automatic, no driver, no driving cab, but there is an operator for safety checks, revenue inspection. 5 LU (London Underground) lines are also automatic, but the trains have driving cabs and drivers for door closing, safety checks and emergency situations. Some airports has fully automated people movers, Gatwick, Birmingham for example.

[@timothyalgera1244]

I was only in London for a few days, and I can't believe that I actually saw Geoff Marshall in person at the London Transport Museum! (I live in North America, so it's a pretty rare event). Happy birthday, by the way!

[@akarouge]

Darn... lucky guy. I'm 1 year early.

[@michaelgask]

I was lucky enough to ride in the new Thameslink trains from Brighton last December... they are BEAUTIFUL. ❤️ Possibly the nicest trains I've ever ridden in... Thanks for the video.

[@trainmaniacstudios8216]

With seats like ironing boards? Unlikely... Mind you, i am tall so that doesnt help.

[@michaelgask]

Train Maniac Studios I’m tall too, but didn’t notice they were particularly uncomfortable. 😔 I just thought the train space was really light and open. And the display boards were great, showing you where the emptier carriages were. Coming from New Zealand, I’m possibly easily impressed when it comes to trains. If you travel on most of ours, you’d see why. 🤣

[@trainmaniacstudios8216]

Ahhh, i see :D

[@polalagi]

he is the best youtuber, he does not say anything about subscribing in his videos!

[@jamestoyn9755]

i remember Geoff Marshall in a episode of the tube in 2003 called Race Around The Underground trying to break the world record to get round all 275 tube stations in the fastest time possible.

[@solarpenguin1]

Thanks for explaining the canal tunnels. Any chance of a "Secrets of the Canal" video?

[@ronanaballerino9794]

This man makes me want to move to Great Britain

[@crispinl]

I say music C but I'm so excited about the clocks going forward too woohoo🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@zawtowers]

Entertaining and informative, as ever. Always found it odd (and still do) that Farringdon has the three letter National Rail code ZFD - most people think it's FAR which is what was drawn on the diagram. Only thing is that those Class 700s have rock hard "ironing board" seats in standard class, and it's only in first class where the seats are comfortable (so don't blame you one bit for taking a seat in there) - not to mention the heating issues...

[@norbitonflyer5625]

Stations owned by London Underground all have Z-prefixes. Farringdon - the original terminus of the Metropolitan Railway, has always been owned by the Underground.

[@stephenholt4670]

It would have been handy to see the old York Road tunnels on the diagram, because they ostensibly did the same job - linking the Thameslink core (aka City Widened Lines) with the line out of Kings Cross. Those went through KX station and bypassed St Pancras though I suppose, so weren't suitable for the modern link?

[@norbitonflyer5625]

No, because the old Kings Cross Thameslink/Midland/Metropolitan station's platforms were too narrow and too short.

[@dream.machine]

This is truly awesome!

[@dariobirindelli4338]

Your music choice is awesooomeeee!! Keep that fresh bouncing hip hop!!!

[@mittfh]

So the canal tunnels are brand new train tunnels that go beneath the canal, rather than tunnels that originally carried a canal, later upcycled to carry train tracks instead?

[@jadencorner4476]

I dont get why people say the class 700 looks really bad its defently better than the class 319

[@woodhouse122]

they look nice,but the seats are dreadful

[@cheesekingofdenmark6910]

and much better than the class 385 too. (I know the 385 is a bit out of nowhere)

[@jadencorner4476]

I agree the seat is probably the worst thing about it

[@fetchstixRHD]

It doesn't look bad, they're quite good looking imo, but the seats and lack of tables and power outside of first class are what most people complain about (especially seeing that the 387s had them).

[@scottpeacock5492]

I'm from Baldock Hertfordshire and I have travel on the Class 700 at Hitchin by boarding the 9:51am train at Baldock for Hitchin to change for the 10:30am service to the Thameslink core through the canal tunnel to London Bridge and the passengers complaint is more to do with the ironing board sits rather than the train, i think these new Class 700 trains are great, I do not have a problems with these sits,

[@LouisOnAir]

"So if you see an inflatable driver don't be alarmed" "Surely you can't be serious" Whooooosh

[@vurpo7080]

Whooosh

[@ForTheThrills]

I know I'm 6 months late but your comment is soo ironic 😂

[@joshuahawkes7218]

It was a quote from the movie

[@TheTransportHub17]

Cool video Geoff, Nice to see you at one of my local stations. I really need to get on a Thameslink train from Finsbury Park. ATO trains should be good. The class 313s will be replaced by class 717s in December. I always thought that the branch of track into the tunnel by Kings cross was for Crossrail but it's for Thameslink lol.

[@darenhaines8830]

Can we suggest what type of music to put in your video?. What about, when you're running for a train or a bus, you play the Benny Hill theme tune!

[@tigermonkeybeijing]

Wow! 'How my rush-hour revolution will turn rail hell to heaven' by Charles Horton turned out to be exactly the opposite. It was so bad, Horton had to resign from his post as CEO at GTR. Are GTR also in charge at Southern? Or am I just imagining that?

[@aaronthefunnyboi5656]

GTR are in charge of Southern

[@daveedwards6653]

Love watching your vids.. However,I have a few questions. It seems to me that NR is just another subway system that overlaps the London Underground,but travels to the suburban areas. Is there much difference between the Subway Surface lines, the Tube lines... and the inner National Rail lines?

[@Gpcas9]

7:28 Don´t call me Shirley!

[@AureliusR]

This kept throwing me for a loop because "Press to ATO" is a very specific term used in Space Shuttle launches... I've heard it so many times, it's seems odd in the reference of trains! For those interested... ATO means Abort To Orbit. When you hear the callout "Press to ATO" it means the Shuttle has enough speed and height that if an engine went out they could make it to a stable orbit.

[@awersomeplaneguy9999]

Music C is Keep On Going by Joakim Kariud.

[@jontytodd-stewart3908]

Geoff, your music sounds cool its one of the best bits #alltheiritatingmusic

[@Jaxymann]

Chris is back! Wheyyy!

[@SouthWalesTrainSpotter]

Did anybody’s audio go all fuzzy as they passed out through abandoned kings cross?

[@Vocalzone_covers]

Geoff have you ever thought about composing a theme tune incorporating all the wonderful sounds of the railway. I've always thought that would be a great idea.

[@medieval2]

I liked all the music selections except choice A. Where can I find the full track of choices B, C, and D? Whenever I watch your videos, I generally like the music choice you use in your videos.

[@maiconjunior2303]

More of these in service please

[@coasterb1]

On USA model railroads, it's called ATCS, automatic train control system.

[@marcussheen]

7:37 The gap either side of the door between First Class and Steerage is probably big enough to actually walk through without even having to open the door

[@robhorne3048]

Fascinating video. Are there any plans to expand ATO to Crossrail in the future?

[@dennisjeffs4239]

Geoff you don't need any music on your videos, they are interesting enough without background irritation!!

[@sonicboy678]

5:31 That K looks like an entirely different character...

[@Sat4an6669]

The guy watching you in the high viz in the reflection on the windows is like wtf is going on 🤣🤣. Great video 😊😊😊😊

[@Bogeyboy-kz8uu]

In my lifetime I'll be lucky to see this on my local line. Nothing ever gets done and I still have semaphores lol.

[@dantheleafsfan1692]

Honestly, I've always thought the music on this channel has been excellent.

[@BlaegeFlannel]

Was this on Sunday 25th April? I was at Finsbury Park after getting the 09:44 from Peterborough on a 700.

[@DavidShepheard]

How could this video have been on Sunday 25th of APRIL unless Geoff posted it using a TARDIS?

[@BlaegeFlannel]

It wasn't, I knew from the number of the train

[@LadyJennivieve]

I just don't understand the point of having the trains automated for a section of line, and not all of it. Is this a testing phase, to work out the kinks before committing to making the whole line automated?

[@darthos6257]

It cost a massive amount of money just to do that one stretch of line. ATO on the whole line is a distant fantasy at the moment, and wholly unnecessary.

[@bobmather3615]

Are we northerners ever going to get a train from north of Watford direct into St Pancras, other than the one a week from York?

[@mariusgosea5912]

For anyone who does not know what ATO is it means Automatic Train Operation

[@ciaranfarley]

I am really curious to see the geographical map of where the views are from on this channel and the londonist

[@ciaranfarley]

because im from the us and just watch these videos because I like the way you make videos and I kinda want to know how many of us there are

[@jhdore]

Viewing this for the first time somewhat late, but I have a question I don’t think was addressed in the vid - what were the reasons for installing ATO? Safety? Efficiency? Was there something about the core that made it appropriate where it is not elsewhere? Ta!

[@GreeniusGenius]

The reason to install ATO is to increase train frequency, and therefore capacity. The reason it’s only in the core, is because only Thameslink trains run there. If they added it outside of the core, other trains running on those tracks, would either need to be fitted with the same communication and in cab signalling gear, or, they would have to make existing signals work in tandem with ATO, which would reduce it’s effectiveness, and would also require more programming to make work properly.

[@kimmadsen9811]

once again great video. very informative and funny.

[@lionvillelion]

Yeah Chris, Yeah Music C

[@rogerhudson9732]

ATO in the 'core', how many tens of thousands of miles to go until ATO is nation wide? seems a better investment than HS2.

[@andrewventhem3130]

Just had a look on the National Rail app, and if I wanted to go to Brighton from Kings Lynn (which does stop at Cambridge) it would take me 22 minutes more if I went via St Pancras from Kings Cross than if I went Victoria from kings cross?!

[@russrh]

can we have the KLF please? been impressed with your stuff since you mentioned 'it's grim up north' lol

[@RBXTrains]

Can't we just hear the sound of the railway in motion like on some of your older videos? :)

[@SimonHollandfilms]

C was my choice too....love your music..

[@tjejojyj]

Very interesting. Please give the capacity in pax per hour per direction.

[@jaguar2576]

Not sure the video really explains the benefit vs the expenditure spent fitting ATO to the infrastructure and trains? - the driver had driven the train from PBO, why not through the core. Also if the driver is offered ATO dose he have to take it? - or has a directive been issued?

[@cwwhg]

It's all part of the effort to get 24 trains/hour running through the Thameslink core - ATO and ETCS give the train continual movement authority and implements moving block signalling so a train can be as close as 100m to the train in front of it at all times rather than have to wait for the train in front to clear a fixed signal block before it can enter it. Basically more trains in less space :)

[@qjtvaddict]

@@cwwhg bingo

[@cwwhg]

I'm rather confused by all the fanfare over this particular train being the first to use ATO through the core because Chrome on my phone served me a story the other day which says "Working with Network Rail and Siemens,commuter operator Govia Thameslink Railway has successfully operated its first passenger-carrying train using ATO over ETCS Level 2. On March 17 a southbound eight-car Thameslink train to Three Bridges operated automatically through the cross-city core" Anyone have any ideas why this Peterborough train was "special"? www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/thameslink-first-with-ato-over-etcs.html

[@tartrazine]

Music! Choice of music apart, I must say the sound quality of it is superb and I get a kick just off that! :o)

[@CurvedGD]

What’s the music?

[@Valle641]

I'd say B for the music choice. you should have a poll (pole?) in the video aswell

[@TraineePilotJess]

What is music choice C called

[@robmarkworth5377]

Matt Streeton's a very switched on bloke. Good stuff

[@krzysztofdowczynski7459]

Do you think more money should be going into investment in other parts of the country (such as Oxfordshire) as oppossed to just the London commuter belt?

[@efaber3565]

Very good channel. Option B would have been the preferred choice because the rhythm matches with train speed going over the rails. Happy birthday from Toronto, Canada.

[@channel64_thename]

It's so hilarious when I put up the automatic caption and instead of saying, ” Change here for Piccadilly. Line,” it says ” to eat here who died,”

[@jur4x]

You should put it through multiple layers of google translate :)

[@AgentSquash]

Doesn't ATO extend all the way to London Bridge and over the diveunder?

[@winkcla]

On mobile in full-screen your texts end up under the channel icon in the bottom right and it's a bit hard to read sometimes. Maybe you could add some margin on the sides :)

[@RaisedLetter]

What were the 4 recordings of Music you had?

[@Jac77794]

What is the point of ATO when you need a driver? Does it allow for trains closer together?

[@robinsonrex1280]

Is Thameslink considered to be a Commuter train?