Southeastern railway services experienced cancellations after drivers reported discovering bedbugs in their cabs. The affected trains were taken out of service on September 22nd for inspection and potential treatment.
Carriages on two trains were locked to segregate passenger areas from the cabs, according to Southeastern, which operates services in Kent, East Sussex, and Greater London. The company stated that the trains were only permitted to remain in service while they returned to a suitable location for these assessments. The incidents were contained to the drivers' cabs, and no bedbugs were identified in areas accessible to passengers.
Southeastern confirmed that the affected trains were based at the West Marina Depot in Hastings, the final stop for trains originating from London. The services on this route pass through Battle, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks. The company emphasized that trains and stations undergo thorough cleaning to ensure passenger safety.
Oly Turner, head of drivers at Southeastern, acknowledged the cooperation of drivers in addressing these isolated incidents. He stated that all trains are thoroughly checked before being returned to service after receiving the "all clear."