Southeastern has returned the final Class 395 “Javelin” high-speed train—unit 395017—to passenger service following completion of the first phase of a £27 million fleet-wide upgrade delivered with Eversholt Rail and Hitachi Rail. All 29 six-car sets now feature new seats and carpets, LED lighting, at-seat USB charging, and a full interior repaint.
Phase Two is already in progress and will equip every carriage with a modern passenger information system, remote-accessible CCTV, and a new exterior livery. The programme safeguards the 140 mph high-speed service between London St Pancras International, Ashford, East Kent and Medway through to the next decade.
“We are committed to delivering better journeys for our customers and the refurbishment of our flagship high-speed fleet is a vital part of that programme,” said Mark Johnson, Engineering and Major Programmes Director at Southeastern.
Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director at Eversholt Rail, added: “This first phase provides an ‘as-new’ interior refresh, resulting in a much-improved passenger experience.”
The Class 395 project forms part of Southeastern’s wider rolling-stock investment, which also includes a mid-life refresh of Class 376 units, retrofitted toilets on Class 707 “City Beam” EMUs, transfer of additional Class 377 stock, and procurement planning for Networker replacements.
By modernising Britain’s fastest domestic passenger trains, Southeastern aims to enhance reliability, passenger comfort and energy efficiency while supporting long-term modal shift to rail.
