A number of train services were cancelled after drivers discovered bedbugs in their cabs.<\/p>\n
Carriages on two affected trains were locked to isolate passenger areas from the cabs, said Southeastern, which operates services in Kent, East Sussex and Greater London.<\/p>\n
The rail firm said the trains only remained in service while they “returned to a suitable location for inspection and if necessary, treatment”.<\/p>\n
The cancellations took place on mainline routes after the bugs were spotted on 22 September. None of the insects were found on any High Speed 1 trains, it added.<\/p>\n
In a social media post, Southeastern said the affected trains were based at the West Marina Depot in Hastings, the terminus point for trains from London.<\/p>\n
Services on the route go via Battle, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for the firm said trains and stations are cleaned “thoroughly” so passengers can “travel safely and with confidence”.<\/p>\n
Oly Turner, head of drivers at Southeastern, said: “We have a great relationship with our drivers, who have helped hugely in cooperating with us over these isolated incidents. <\/p>\n
“When we receive reports such as these we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear. <\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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