A number of Southeastern train services were cancelled in early October 2026 following the discovery of bedbugs in drivers’ cabs on two trains. The affected trains were immediately removed from service to undergo cleaning, inspection, and treatment if necessary.
Affected Routes and Trains
The trains implicated were based at the West Marina Depot in Hastings, the terminus for routes from London. The cancellations impacted mainline services operating through Kent and East Sussex, including stops at Battle, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks. Southeastern confirmed no bedbugs were detected on High Speed 1 services.
Official Response and Procedures
Southeastern representatives stated that affected trains remained in operation only while returning to
suitable locations for inspection and treatment. According to Oly Turner, head of drivers at Southeastern, the bedbug problem was confined to the drivers’ cabs on two trains, with no infestations found in passenger areas. Turner added, “When we receive reports such as these we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear.” A spokesperson for Southeastern emphasized that trains and stations undergo thorough cleaning to ensure passenger safety and confidence.
Passenger Impact and Operational Scope
The cancellations affected passengers traveling on Southeastern routes serving Greater London, Kent, and East Sussex. The service disruption was limited to the two
trains with affected cabs, reducing the scale of the cancellations. Southeastern suspended these specific services to manage the infestation and prevent further inconvenience to travellers.
Southeastern operates a fleet serving the southeast England region, including Kent, East Sussex, and Greater London. The rail operator maintains comprehensive cleaning protocols across its trains and stations in response to such incidents.
