Alstom helps bring first fully refreshed Class 376 train into passenger service in the UK
All 36 units in Southeastern’s Derby-built Electrostar fleet are getting a full mid-life refresh.
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Alstom, in collaboration with Southeastern and Eversholt Rail, is proud to announce that the first Class 376 Electrostar train to get a full interior and exterior makeover is now back in passenger service. The electric multiple units (EMUs) will offer a much better and more comfortable travel experience across Southeastern’s busy Metro routes that run between North Kent and South East London.
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
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. To complement the interior upgrade, each train is also getting a sleek, new blue livery
Alstom is specifically undertaking the engineering and providing all materials for both the interior refresh and installation of at-seat power throughout each train.
“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,”
said Steve Harvey, Alstom Services Director UK and Ireland.
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 – No. 376027 – the rest of the refurbished fleet will be arriving regularly over the next two years.
“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,” said Dan Paris, Fleet Maintenance Director at Southeastern.
There are also several accessibility improvements as part of the refurbishment programme, 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
“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,” said Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director at Eversholt Rail.
The Class 376 Electrostar fleet was built at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works in Derby – the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets – and originally entered service in 2004.
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