Southeastern Helps Passengers Beat the Summer Heat

Southeastern is partnering with the University of Kent to encourage well-being amongst passengers when travelling in warmer weather over the summer.

Hosting four pop-ups across the month of July, the train operator and University of Kent are inviting passengers to take part in a free health-check. Passengers will be offered tests for their blood glucose levels, blood pressure and core temperature, as well as a questionnaire about their fluid intake. The aim is to create awareness regarding the importance of adequate nutrition and hydration when travelling especially during the warmer months.

Running the 3^rd and 4^th July at Rochester station – and the 10^th and 11^th at Margate station - passengers will be able to drop-in between 15.00-18.00.

Last summer, train services were delayed by the equivalent of four days due to passengers becoming ill on trains on the Southeastern network.  The company strongly urges their passengers to carry water with them and maintain sugar levels throughout the day to stay well.

Ensuring passengers travel with water and maintain sugar levels throughout the day is important for all – including  those falling ill on trains - as well as those caught up in the consequent delays.

Lucy Hale, Lecturer in Sports Nutrition at The University of Kent said: “This is an important campaign. Often people don’t adjust their fluid intake during the warmer months. We lead increasingly busy lives and we know it is easy to forget to have breakfast sometimes, but with a heatwave around the corner, we’d advise people grab at least a drink and snack for their journey before heading out of the house.”

David Wornham, Passenger Services Director said: “We are looking forward to working with the University of Kent and creating awareness on the importance of having a hearty breakfast and staying hydrated during the summer months.

We want the best for our passengers and this includes making sure that they stay fit and healthy when travelling in warmer weather. We encourage them to travel with water to drink on their journey and if a passenger does feel ill, either not to board the train or wait until they reach a station to seek assistance from our staff who are on hand to help.”

This year, Southeastern’s Summer Offer incorporates inland destinations as well as coastal resorts. Running until 18th August, passengers can buy Off-Peak Day Return tickets from London to 12 selected destinations – including Whistable, Margate and Broadstairs - for a fixed price of £15, £20 or £25.

The Summer Offer destinations form part of Southeastern’s hidden gems campaign – helping passengers discover unique places across the network from micro pubs and artisan crafts to picturesque beaches.