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Latest News
This section of our site gives all of our latest news and press releases on changes and improvements to Southeastern train services as well as articles on the transport industry as a whole.
Tuesday 15 September 2026
Southeastern unveils community-named Bayeux Tapestry train as Hastings children begin historic journey
Tuesday 8 September 2026
Express service to cut Hastings to London journey times from December
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15 Sep 2026Southeastern unveils community-named Bayeux Tapestry train as Hastings children begin historic journey
- A four-car Class 375, named King Harold II by the people of Battle and Hastings, was unveiled at Hastings station today (15 September).
- The train was unveiled by community leaders and partners including Helena Dollimore MP who has been working with Southeastern on the campaign to enable young people from the area to access the special display at the British Museum.
- 35 Hastings schoolchildren were among the first to benefit from 1,066 complimentary rail tickets being provided by Southeastern to help young people visit the Bayeux Tapestry.
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08 Sep 2026Express service to cut Hastings to London journey times from December
- New weekday express service between Hastings and Charing Cross launches from 14 December.
- Fastest journey time of 1 hour 18 minutes from Hastings to London Bridge, and 1 hour 28 minutes to Charing Cross - around 14 minutes quicker than today's fastest peak service.
- Part of a wider December timetable change delivering more frequent services, better connections and increased capacity across south-east London, Kent and East Sussex.
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08 Sep 2026Hastings line passengers advised to plan ahead this October school half term as buses replace trains for nine days
- Buses replace trains between Tonbridge and Wadhurst from Saturday 24 October until Sunday 1 November
- Engineers will renew worn track just south of Tunbridge Wells
- Wider programme of maintenance to take place to keep the railway safe and reliable
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17 Aug 2026COMPLETED: London Charing Cross and Waterloo East reopen after railway carries out £20million programme of engineering work
- Passengers thanked after 22-day closure that saw services diverted into other London terminals, and changes across the Southeastern network
- Engineers replaced nearly 2km of 36-year-old track between Charing Cross and Waterloo East
- Charing Cross platforms renewed and station improvements carried out at Waterloo East
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13 Aug 2026Southeastern to roll out more than 200 new ticket machines as part of £9 million customer experience upgrade
- More than 200 new Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) to be introduced across the network, replacing machines that are in some cases more than 20 years old
- New machines will provide a more modern, accessible and reliable customer experience, including high-contrast displays and adjustable-height screens
- Investment also includes upgraded ticket office technology and new handheld devices for frontline colleagues, as part of Southeastern's £9 million wider investment in stations, trains, digital services and infrastructure
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27 Jul 2026London Charing Cross and Waterloo East closes for 22 days as railway carries out £20millon programme of engineering work, but routes into London remain open
- Essential works will replace 36-year-old track, sections of platform and strengthening structures
- Major changes will affect Southeastern services for 22 days this summer, with no trains at Charing Cross or Waterloo East and services diverted across London
- Passengers urged to plan ahead and check before travelling, as timetables, service frequency and first and last train times will change
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16 Jul 2026East Sussex communities invited to name new Bayeux Tapestry-inspired train
- Communities invited to help choose the name of a Southeastern train linked to the story of 1066
- Four names inspired by the Battle of Hastings shortlisted for public vote
- Voting now open at Hastings and Battle stations, with around 10,000 votes available
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09 Jul 2026Sara Pascoe launches free reading activities for kids across UK train network this summer
- Free reading packs available on trains and at stations, helping keep children entertained on journeys this summer
- Thousands of packs for ages 4–11, making train travel an easy, low-cost way to support reading and family time
- Supports families facing summer boredom and cost pressures, with many parents looking for simple ways to keep children engaged
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02 Jul 2026Southeastern sets out social mobility impact report ‘On Track to Opportunity’ as data reveals sharp inequalities across the South East
- New data reveals sharp inequalities across the South East
- Report from publicly owned Southeastern and The Purpose Coalition sets out how the railway is supporting communities with connectivity, investment, jobs and partnerships
- Report comes as Rail Industry launches Social Mobility Programme to positively impact thousands of lives every year by opening more opportunities