Southeastern announces upgrade of fleet

Southeastern has announced a "major refurbishment" of some of its trains.

The train operator said its 36 Class 376 Electrostar trains, made of up five coaches each, will receive an "extensive interior and exterior mid-life refresh" after they entered service in 2004.

The upgrades include at seat power sockets, energy-efficient LED lighting and a new blue livery.

The work will start at the Ashford Maintenance Centre with the first units due in service in spring.

The trains usually run on Southeastern's metro routes between London and Dartford, Gravesend, Orpington and Sevenoaks.

Southeastern said the work will be carried out in collaboration with Alstom and Eversholt Rail.

Mark Johnson, Engineering Director at Southeastern, said: "The mid-life refresh will deliver better journeys for our customers and keep these trains in tip-top condition for years to come.

"This builds on the upgrades across our other fleets, and the newer trains we are bringing in, as well as the ongoing procurement of new trains to replace our older units."

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