Passengers across parts of southeast England have faced rail disruptions after bedbugs were discovered on several Southeastern trains, with some drivers reportedly refusing to board affected services without protective clothing.
The infestation was traced to trains operating from the West Marina depot near Hastings, East Sussex, where some services were withdrawn for inspection and treatment. Reports have also emerged of bedbugs being found on trains operating along the High Speed 1 route.
The disruption reportedly began after the first sighting on September 22. By Friday, at least three services had been cancelled, while other cancellations were recorded in the days following the initial discovery.
The situation became particularly concerning after railway staff reportedly found insects inside drivers’ cabs and on personal bags. One driver allegedly requested a full-body protective suit before agreeing to operate a train, citing fears of the insects transferring onto their clothing.
That request could not immediately be met, contributing to the cancellation of two services. One of the affected trains was reportedly positioned in a way that prevented another service from leaving the depot.
Internal reports also raised questions over communication between maintenance teams and service controllers. In one instance, a train that maintenance staff had attempted to remove from service reportedly continued operating because controllers had not been informed about the suspected infestation.
Southeastern said four trains had been reported as potentially affected, with two subsequently confirmed to have bedbugs. The company said those trains were thoroughly cleaned and inspected before being returned to operation.
The operator maintained that the incidents were confined to drivers’ cabs on two trains and said there had been no confirmed sightings in passenger areas. Southeastern also said its trains and stations undergo regular cleaning and that services had returned to normal.
Bedbugs are small insects capable of hiding in narrow spaces, clothing, bedding and furniture, making infestations particularly difficult to detect and eliminate. Their presence can sometimes be identified through small dark stains left behind by the insects.
The latest disruption has nevertheless highlighted the challenge transport operators face when dealing with pests in enclosed public spaces, where even isolated sightings can quickly trigger safety concerns among workers and passengers.
