Southeastern railway services disrupted by bedbug infestation

A bedbug infestation has disrupted railway services in southeast England, leading to train cancellations and staff refusing to work. The issue was centered around the West Marina train care depot near Hastings in East Sussex, which serves routes between London and Kent.

Southeastern reported that bedbugs were found in driver cabs and on staff belongings. Some drivers reportedly refused to operate trains without full-body protective suits, which were unavailable, leading to further service disruptions. Internal logs suggest some staff felt management was not treating the infestation with sufficient urgency.

One train, nicknamed the ‘Bedbug Express’ by employees, continued to operate between London and Kent on Tuesday with two carriages sealed off after insects were spotted. Southeastern stated that while four trains were reported, bedbugs were confirmed in only two, and they maintained that no insects were identified in passenger areas. Pest control services have been deployed to the depot.