16.01.20
South Western Railway welcomes their newly refurbished trains
South Western Railway customers will now be able to see the new ‘Class 442’ refurbished trains across passenger services.
These trains since the new year have been running fast journeys from London to Portsmout via Guildford, Haslemere and Petersfield & London to Poole route via Winchester, Southampton Central and Bournemouth.
The four 10-car Class 442s feature more spacious 2+2 seating in Standard Class, at-seat power for mobile devices, LED lighting and onboard Wi-Fi.
Other new interior features include Axminister carpets, real-time passenger information displays and First Class now includes new leather seats and tables.
The environmental benefits include vehicle interiors with the installation of LED lighting. Wi-Fi is provided throughout and there are universal accessible toilets and seating facilities for disabled passengers.
Engineering Director for SWR, Neil Drury, said: “We’re really pleased that these refurbished trains are now in passenger service. We’ve already had positive feedback about the extra space provided with the 2+2 seating configuration and other benefits such as Wi-Fi, LED lighting and real-time passenger info systems.
“Passengers will also notice the high quality of the refurbished interiors, including Axminster carpets and reupholstered seats.
“We’re proud of the fact the works have been undertaken at Eastleigh and Bournemouth depots. This has meant investment in local facilities across the South Western network, helping to boost the economy and secures jobs for people living in the communities we serve.
“We will look to introduce all of the Class 442s in the fleet back in to service as soon as possible.”
Image: South Western Railway