On Tuesday 23rd August 2001, it was announced that the ''GoVIA'' group was to take over the South Central franchise operation from Connex. This officially occurred at 02:00 on the morning of Sunday 28th of the same month. "GoVia South Central" was re-branded "Southern Railway" from 27th May 2004, and rolling stock began appearing in an attractive green and white scheme. Class 319 stock in the "Southern Railway" pool started receiving the then new livery in December 2005. In the above picture, No. 319008 is depicted at Loughborough Junction with a service to Luton. © David Glasspool
The "First Group" was awarded the ''Thameslink'' franchise in December 2005 and over the course of the following year, revised branding came to light. Here, No. 319442 is observed at Herne Hill on 18th June 2007, displaying a colour scheme which is mostly of 1997 origin, but with ''First Capital Connect'' branding. The service had originated from Luton. © David Glasspool
No. 319012 presented itself at Blackfriars with a Brighton to Bedford working. Twenty such units were leased by ''Southern Railway'' (GoVIA Group) at the time, and circa six were generally on hire from this pool to ''First Capital Connect''. © David Glasspool
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