Southeastern Metro train refurbishment confirmed

Work to refresh a number of Southeastern Metro trains will get underway this spring.

In an announcement this morning the company announced that all 36 Class 376 trains will see a new external colour scheme with work to start at Ashford depot.

From the summer interior changes will get underway at Grove Park.

Much of the changes were already known and pretty small-scale (grab handles become orange for example) with one surprise being the addition of USB sockets. Sadly the announcement reveals no air conditioning will be added as expected.

Train order

The Class 376 were the last to be ordered in the UK without air conditioning and all sister Electrostar trains include air con.

Stock was ordered to provide higher capacity with greater space around doors and at train ends. At five-carriages in length they were unable to fully utilise 12-car platforms.

Upon arrival a number in the mid-2000s, a number of Networkers were refurbished and moved to work mid and long distance routes into Kent.

They feature first class and now work at times back on Metro routes. In recent weeks the first trains have moved from Southern to replace those Networkers.

Mark Johnson, Engineering Director at Southeastern, said:

“I’m thrilled that we will be upgrading the Class 376s with our partners at Alstom and Eversholt Rail. 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 Networkers.

“It all adds up to great news for our passengers across South East London, East Sussex and Kent.”