Southeastern rail services cancelled train operations on mainline routes after bedbugs were discovered in the drivers’ cabs of two trains on September 22, 2026. The affected trains were removed from service immediately to prevent further disruption and ensure passenger safety.
Affected Routes and Locations
The trains impacted were based at the West Marina Depot located in Hastings, which serves as the terminus for services originating from London. The affected mainline routes run via Battle, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks, connecting Greater London with Kent and East Sussex.
Official Statements on Containment and Cleaning
Oly Turner, head of drivers at Southeastern, confirmed the infestation was isolated exclusively to the drivers’ cabs of
two trains and no bedbugs were detected in passenger compartments. He stated, “When we receive reports such as these we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear.” Southeastern emphasized that the trains remained in service only while returning to an appropriate location for inspection and possible treatment.
A Southeastern spokesperson added that trains and stations undergo thorough cleaning processes to maintain passenger safety and confidence in travel.
Timeline and Distinction from High Speed 1 Services
The discovery of bedbugs was first made on September 22, 2026, with the issue becoming publicly reported on October 3, 2026. Southeastern confirmed the problem
was exclusive to mainline services, noting that no bedbugs had been found on High Speed 1 trains, which operate separate routes.
Passenger Impact and Service Disruption
Following the identification of bedbugs, Southeastern cancelled affected trains on the mainline routes between London and Hastings as a precaution. Passenger compartments were physically isolated from the drivers’ cabs on the two affected trains by locking off those carriages. This precaution contained the infestation and avoided any exposure to passengers while inspections and treatments were carried out.
