Disgust as trains covered in bedbugs cause travel chaos

Bedbugs have reportedly infested trains across the South of England leading to trains being cancelled. Bedbugs are said to have been found in Southeastern train carriages and drivers’ cabs. On Tuesday, one train nicknamed “Bedbug Express” by staff, did several journeys between Kent and London with two of its carriages allegedly locked after a driver spotted the pests at one end.

The first reported sighting is understood to have been on September 22. The outbreak is affecting West Marina traincare depot near Hastings in East Sussex, which serves routes between London and Kent, The Telegraph reports. There are also fears the bugs may be spreading with sightings also 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 he was given a full hazmat suit to protect himself from the pests. When none were available, two train services were subsequently cancelled, according to the newspaper.

A Rail, Maritime and Transport union spokerspon said it was “working closely with the company to deal with what is a very difficult situation.” They added: “We share their concerns for passenger safety.”

Train operator, Southeastern, however, has disputed suggestions that passengers have been exposed to bedbugs. A spokesman said four trains had been reported as having bedbugs on them, 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.”