Southern Rail has announced that it will be replacing the oldest active trains in the UK on the Seaford-Brighton line with Electrostar trains. This follows a letter from James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Lewes constituency, calling for better trains to replace the outdated and run-down Class 313 trains.
The Seaford-Brighton line serves major coastal towns of Seaford and Newhaven, the county town of Lewes, as well as the University of Sussex and Brighton and Hove Albion at Falmer. The Class 313 trains used on the line were 35 years old when they were introduced and are the oldest rolling stock in the UK.
James MacCleary wrote to Southern Rail expressing his concerns about the outdated trains, including the absence of toilets and an unreliable schedule. He urged Southern Rail to invest in new trains to improve the reliability and comfort of the service, which he believes is vital to encourage more people to travel by rail.
Southern Rail responded by announcing that the Class 313 trains would be entirely retired and replaced with Electrostar trains starting from Sunday, May 21, 2023. The new trains will have air-conditioning, accessible toilets, and a £55m upgrade currently underway. This will provide customers with a much more comfortable experience and help Southern Rail win customers back as we head into the busy summer period.
This announcement is welcome news for commuters who have been calling for better trains on the Seaford-Brighton line for years. The new trains are expected to provide a more reliable and comfortable service, making it easier for people to travel by rail and reducing the reliance on cars.
