Leading freight haulier, First GBRf, is delivering some 1,500 new SSL underground carriages in train formations of seven or eight for Bombardier Transportation. This is to fulfill the London Underground programme to replace all rolling stock on the sub-surface lines. 
Paul J Brown, senior project director, Bombardier Transportation, commented: “For Bombardier, it is vital that our new trains for London Underground are transported safely and on time to meet our commitments. First GBRf are providing that service and we look forward to working with them over the next five years in delivering the new SubSurface Line trains to our customer.” 
In November, First GBRf delivered the first train to Neasden. The delivery of the new fleet is scheduled to commence early in, 2010, as part of the five-year contract. 
The units are being built in Derby, after which they will be transported to the test track where they will be tested until they complete fault free running. The carriages will then be transported on a loco to Neasden ready to enter service.  
As part of the contract First GBRf has built translator units so that the carriages can be braked during transit, and has worked with Network Rail to achieve gauge clearance.  
Ashley Stower, head of business development and marketing, First GBRf said: “We are very pleased to be working with Bombardier on this contract. By using rail to transport the carriages we will be able to save a significant amount of road journeys. This has taken cross-industry cooperation to enable it to happen with a successful partnership of First GBRf, Bombardier and Network Rail.” 
The new underground SSL underground stock will replace those that are up to 40 years old. Benefits of the new Bombardier units are air conditioning and a walk through type carriage as on overground trains.