Bedbugs have reportedly infested trains across the South of England, leading to the cancellation of several train services. The pests have been found in Southeastern train carriages and drivers' cabs, with one train nicknamed “Bedbug Express” by staff making several journeys between Kent and London with two of its carriages locked after a driver spotted the bugs.
Outbreak traced to West Marina depot
The first reported sighting is understood to have been on September 22. The outbreak is affecting the West Marina traincare depot near Hastings in East Sussex, which serves routes between London and Kent, according to The Telegraph. There are also fears the bugs may be spreading, with sightings reported aboard Southeastern's High Speed 1 line services.
Drivers have reportedly found bedbugs in their cabs and on their bags. According to internal messages seen by The Telegraph, drivers have refused to board affected trains. One driver refused to get behind the controls unless given a full hazmat suit; when none were available, two train services were subsequently cancelled.
Union and operator respond
A Rail, Maritime and Transport union spokesperson said it was “working closely with the company to deal with what is a very difficult situation,” adding: “We share their concerns for passenger safety.”
Southeastern has disputed suggestions that passengers have been exposed to bedbugs. A spokesman said four trains had been reported as having bedbugs, of which two were confirmed, then cleaned before being returned to service.
Oly Turner, Southeastern's head of drivers, told The Telegraph: “We have a great relationship with our drivers, who have helped hugely in cooperating with us over these isolated incidents. When we receive reports such as these, we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear. 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. We continually carry out robust cleaning across our trains and stations, ensuring our customers and employees can travel safely and with confidence.”
