Train operator Southeastern has released into service the first of its Class 376 Electrostar trains that are being refurbished.

The upgraded unit is No. 376027 and features a new blue livery and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Along with the rest of the Class 376 fleet, it is yet to receive further improvements, and the first completely upgraded unit is scheduled to be in service by the end of this year.

Southeastern is carrying out the upgrades in partnership with Alstom and Eversholt Rail, which are being carried out at Southeastern’s Gillingham Maintenance Centre.

Improvements later this year will be carried out at Southeastern’s Grove Park Centre of Excellence and include replacing the seats with refurbished ones and providing convenient at-seat power and USB sockets for charging devices.

As well as upgrading the Class 376 Electrostars, Southeastern is carrying out a £27million programme of improvements that includes refurbishment of the Class 395 high-speed Javelin fleet, introduction of more Class 377 trains, and upgrading the Class 375 fleet that was completed last year.

Design work will soon start on a programme to retrofit toilets to the Class 707 City Beam fleet.

“We’re proud to be supporting Southeastern and Eversholt Rail in delivering a more modern and connected experience for fare-paying passengers across South East London. Alstom will soon begin providing the engineering expertise and materials for the fleet’s refurbished seating and installation of at-seat power improvements that will make a real difference to Southeastern’s customers. It’s great to see the first upgraded train in service and we look forward to supporting the next stage of the refreshed fleet’s rollout over the coming months. Train operator.”

Peter Broadley, Commercial Director UK and Ireland at Alstom