‘Bedbug Express’: Trains cancelled after pests spotted on Southeastern railway

Trains have been cancelled and drivers have refused to board after bedbugs were spotted on carriages across south east England, it has been reported.

Southeastern trains operating from the affected West Marina train depot near Hastings in East Sussex were taken out of service as a result of the bedbugs, according to The Telegraph.

Sightings of the insects have also been reported on Southeastern’s High Speed 1 line services – raising concerns the issue has spread.

One train – apparently dubbed the “Bedbug Express” by insiders – still operated on Tuesday, making several journeys between London and Kent but with two carriages locked and out of use after a driver spotted insects at one end.

On Friday, at least three services were cancelled, with more cancelled since the first sighting reported on 22 September, the Telegraph said.

Drivers have reportedly found bedbugs in their cabs and crawling on their bags. According to an incident log viewed by the publication, one driver refused to drive the train unless they were “provided with a white full-body protection suit... in case any bugs transfer to themself” [sic].

However, protective gear was unavailable, leading to two trains being cancelled including one that had been blocked in by the bedbug train.

Internal messages also accuse bosses of failing to take the matter seriously.

Southeastern maintenance staff tried to take the train out of service but service controllers had not been advised of the problem, according to internal logs, which led to it still operating through Tuesday.

Pest control were seen at the depot and an operator would only say that they had a regular contract with Southeastern for the service.

A Southeastern spokesperson told The Telegraph that four trains had been reported as having bedbugs on them, of which two were confirmed then cleaned before being returned to service.

“We have a great relationship with our drivers, who have helped hugely in cooperating with us over these isolated incidents,” said Oly Turner, the train company’s head of drivers.

“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.”

The Independent has contacted Southeastern for comment.

Bedbugs are capable of of squeezing into narrow gaps in furniture and are also good at hiding in clothing, linen and mattresses. They can be difficult to spot directly but their presence is betrayed by small, dark excrement stains.

In 2023, London mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London were forced to deal with the matter after a suspected infestation following sightings in Paris.