Silverlink

Silverlink is a regional franchise in the British railway system, with routes in north London and from London to Northampton. As of 2005 it is operated by National Express Group plc.

The company is divided into two main brands. The "Silverlink Metro" brand is used for inner-suburban services around London. The "Silverlink County" brand is used for longer distance and outer-suburban services.

Silverlink Metro

The "Silverlink Metro" service has routes on several lines:

• North London Line, from Richmond to North Woolwich
• London Euston to Watford Junction
• West London Line, from Willesden Junction to Clapham Junction - via Kensington (Olympia)
• The Gospel Oak to Barking line (the "Goblin")

The "Metro" services are operated by Class 313 dual-voltage electrical multiple units on the electrified routes, and Class 150 "Sprinter" diesel multiple units on the non-electrified routes. Additionally, three Class 508/3 electric units are used exclusively on the Euston-Watford Junction service. The "Spinters" replaced the elderly Class 117 and Class 121 units in 2000.

Silverlink County

The "Silverlink County" service has three branches:

• London to Northampton (Southern-end of West Coast Main Line)
• Watford Junction to St Albans (Abbey Flyer)
• Bletchley to Bedford (Marston Vale Line)

The stations on the main branch of the "County" service are:

• London - Euston station
• Wembley - Wembley Central station
• Wealdstone - Harrow & Wealdstone station
• Bushey
• Watford - Watford Junction
• Kings Langley
• Apsley
• Hemel Hempstead
• Berkhamsted
• Tring
• Cheddington
• Leighton Buzzard
• Bletchley
• Milton Keynes - Milton Keynes Central railway station
• Wolverton
• Northampton

Prior to September 2004 Silverlink also served the following stations north of Northampton, which are now exclusively served by Virgin Trains and Central Trains:

• Long Buckby
• Rugby
• Coventry
• Birmingham - Birmingham International
• Birmingham - Birmingham New Street

"County" services to Northampton are operated by Class 321/4 electrical multiple units introduced in 1989. They will shortly be joined by new Class 350/1 Desiro units built by Siemens.

The stations on the St Albans Branch Line (the "Abbey Flyer") are:

• Watford Junction
• Watford North
• Garston
• Bricket Wood
• How Wood
• Park Street
• St Albans Abbey

Services are operated by Class 313 electric units.

The Bletchley to Bedford Marston Vale Line is operated using Class 150 diesel units.

External link

• Silverlink Trains website