On 22 September 2026, bedbugs were discovered in the drivers’ cabs of two Southeastern trains. The affected trains were based at West Marina Depot in Hastings, a terminus for services from London.
Affected Routes and Locations
Services impacted run via Battle, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks, with no bedbugs found on High Speed 1 trains. Southeastern operates rail services across Kent, East Sussex, and Greater London.
Response and Remediation Measures
Passenger carriages on the two affected trains were locked to isolate them from the drivers’ cabs. The affected trains were removed from service and underwent thorough cleaning and treatment. Southeastern only returns trains to service after comprehensive inspections to
prevent further infestations.
Official Statements and Impact
Oly Turner, head of drivers at Southeastern, said, “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.” He added, “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 noted, “We have a great relationship with our drivers, who have helped hugely in cooperating with us over these isolated incidents.”
Southeastern confirmed that trains and stations are cleaned thoroughly so passengers can travel safely and with
confidence. Following the discovery, multiple Southeastern mainline services were cancelled starting 3 October 2026, causing travel disruptions on routes via Battle, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks.
