The first of the refurbished HS1 Javelin trains has entered service, showing off their new interior layout.
Trainbow (c) Southeastern
Unit 395012, well-known to many as the ‘Trainbow’, entered the train operator’s Ashford train maintenance depot on 12th June to have interior refresh work carried out, and emerged from the workshops today to be followed by another 28 trains over the coming months.
The £27 million upgrade is being carried out in partnership with Hitachi Rail and Eversholt Rail, while Southeastern operates the trains for passengers.
In addition to a decor refresh, the trains are also getting live passenger information system (PIS) upgrades including media screens (from 2024), USB chargers and improved lighting. The high-speed fleet will also have energy meters fitted which will help Southeastern reduce its energy and environmental impact.
Refurbished interior (c) Southeastern
Southeastern’s Engineering Director, Mark Johnson, said: “Southeastern is committed to delivering better, more reliable and more sustainable services, supported by the fastest domestic passenger trains in the UK.
“With this refurbishment we’re going to make the experience for our passengers even better. Carpets, seats and sides have all been stripped down, repainted or replaced, with a whole new look and feel, improving the accessibility of the train at the same time for all of our customers.
“This is just the beginning of the programme, as later in the year we’re upgrading the passenger information systems on board all 174 carriages in the high speed fleet, which will bring more benefits to our customers as we improve the way we give people the most up-to-date information about their journeys”.
The Class 395 highspeed trains travel at 140mph and connects London St Pancras International with Ashford, East Kent and Medway.
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