The first Class 376 train to get a full interior and exterior makeover is now back in service offering a much better and more comfortable travel experience across the operator’s busy Metro routes that run between north Kent and south east London.
In partnership with Alstom and Eversholt Rail, South Eastern Railway is delivering a full ‘mid-life’ refresh for the 36 trains in the Class 376 fleet, which first came into service back in 2004.
The refresh is a major undertaking by the project partners, and when the programme is completed across all 36 trains, it will have delivered 11,000 refurbished seats, more than 4,000 power sockets and the installation of around 29,000 panels, grab poles, trims and cappings – the protective covers that prevent damage.
The work is being carried out at the Grove Park Centre of Excellence in south east London and, following the entry into service of this first train, the rest of the refurbished fleet will be arriving regularly throughout 2026 and 2027.
Metro route customers will benefit from:
- Fully refreshed interiors with refurbished seating
- Convenient at-seat power and USB sockets for charging devices on the go
- Bright and energy-saving LED lighting throughout to create a more modern and welcoming environment
- To complement the interior upgrade each train is getting a sleek, new blue livery
There are also several accessibility improvements, including:
- Brighter orange grab poles and handles for easy spotting
- Priority seats clearly marked in orange fabric
- Fresh anti-slip strips for safer door access
- Large contrasting colour panels on exterior door buttons for clearer visibility
Watch the refresh video here. (BSL version)
Dan Paris, Fleet Maintenance Director at South Eastern Railway, said:
“It’s great to be celebrating this milestone and we will be welcoming refreshed trains regularly throughout 2026 and into 2027. It’s just one part of our plan to deliver better journeys and it sits alongside our wider programme to improve our fleet, which includes the procurement of a newer, more accessible replacement Metro fleet that will be better for customers and taxpayers.”
Alstom Services Director, Steve Harvey, said:
“The first Class 376 refurbishment marks a major achievement in working with Southeastern and Eversholt Rail in delivering a more modern fleet for passengers across south east London and Kent. At-seat power, amongst the other interior improvements, should make a real difference to the customers and it’s great to see the first upgraded unit back in service.”
Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director at Eversholt Rail, said
“It is fantastic to see the first of our Class 376 trains in service following the second phase of the refurbishment programme. We are committed to upgrading our fleets to provide a much-improved passenger experience and encourage more people to travel by rail. We look forward to continuing to work with Southeastern and Alstom to support the ongoing work for the remainder of the fleet.”
