Southern’s fleet of Class 171 DMU trains was a double winner at the recent Golden Spanners Awards.
The fleet, which operates on the Uckfield to London Bridge and Brighton to Ashford routes, won the golden spanner for the most reliable new diesel multiple units and the silver spanner for the lowest delay minutes per incident for a DMU – the only fleet ever to win two awards in the same year at the event which recognise fleet reliability.
Speaking after the win, Fleet Director Gerry McFadden said:
“I’m delighted that the 171s have been recognised by the industry for the reliable service they offer passengers on the routes they serve.
“It is the only fleet ever to win two awards in the same year, which is really something to celebrate.
“The 171 maintenance team has worked exceptionally hard to make this a fleet we can all be proud of, and I’m very pleased that they now have the awards to mark their hard work.”
