The final Southeastern Class 395 highspeed train to undergo an interior refresh has returned to passenger service, marking the completion of the first phase of a GBP 27 million upgrade programme.
Unit 395017 re-entered service on 19 May from the operator’s Ashford Train Maintenance Centre, concluding work on all 29 trains in the Class 395 fleet. The investment has been delivered in partnership with Eversholt Rail and Hitachi Rail.
Phase one included:
- Full interior refurbishment with new carpets, seats and paintwork
- Installation of at-seat USB charging points
- Energy-efficient LED lighting
The second phase of the project is now underway. This will see all 174 carriages fitted with the latest Passenger Information System (PIS), offering real-time journey updates via new onboard media screens. A modernised CCTV system is also being installed to improve passenger safety and assist drivers with enhanced visual access at stations. The upgraded system will also aid infrastructure monitoring.
In addition to the internal improvements, each train is receiving a new exterior livery as part of the overhaul.
“We are committed to delivering better journeys for our customers and the refurbishment of our flagship highspeed fleet is a vital part of our programme. We’re adding a new passenger information system, enhanced CCTV, and a sleek, newly designed exterior livery. Look out for them across our network over the coming months,” Southeastern’s Engineering and Major Programmes Director, Mark Johnson, said.
The Class 395 ‘Javelin’ trains, made by Hitachi Rail, introduced in 2009, run at up to 140mph and connect London St Pancras International with Ashford, Medway and East Kent. The upgrade ensures the UK’s fastest domestic passenger service remains reliable, comfortable and sustainable for future travel.
The highspeed programme is part of a broader investment in Southeastern’s fleet, which includes:
- Refurbishment of Class 376 units with improved seating, LED lighting, and power points
- Retrofitting toilets in all 30 Class 707 ‘City Beam’ units
- Introduction of 13 Class 377 trains from Govia Thameslink Railway
- Procurement of new stock to replace the older Networker trains
“This first phase provides an ‘as-new’ interior refresh, at-seat USB power and LED lighting, resulting in a much improved passenger experience. We look forward to continuing to work together to deliver the CCTV and PIS upgrades in the second phase,” Eversholt Rail’s Client Services Director, Paul Sutherland, added.
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