Southeastern cancelled multiple train services on October 3, 2026, following the discovery of bedbug infestations in the drivers’ cabs of two trains. These trains were removed from service to undergo cleaning and treatment as needed.
Affected Locations and Routes
The infestations were reported on September 22, 2026, on Southeastern’s mainline routes serving Kent, East Sussex and Greater London. The two affected trains were based at the West Marina Depot in Hastings, the terminus for services running from London. Key stations on these routes include Battle, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks. No bedbugs were found on Southeastern’s High Speed 1 trains.
Official Response and Procedures
A Southeastern spokesperson confirmed that
affected trains remained operational only while returning to a suitable location for inspection and potential treatment. The company emphasized thorough cleaning of trains and stations to maintain safe travel conditions.
Oly Turner, head of drivers at Southeastern, stated, “When we receive reports such as these we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear.” Turner also acknowledged cooperation from drivers, saying, “We have a great relationship with our drivers, who have helped hugely in cooperating with us over these isolated incidents.”
Passenger Impact and Containment Measures
In response to the infestation, passenger carriages on the two affected trains
were locked to isolate them from the drivers’ cabs. The removal and subsequent cleaning of these trains caused cancellations and travel disruptions for passengers relying on Southeastern’s services along the affected routes.
Infestation Details
The bedbug cases were confined exclusively to the drivers’ cabs on the two trains, with no detection of bedbugs in passenger compartments. Turner confirmed, “Cases have been contained to the drivers’ cabs in only two of our trains and no bed bugs have been identified in areas for passengers.”
