Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Louie French has today backed Southeastern’s business plan to build a new fleet of modern metro trains to transform rail services in South East London.
Southeastern is seeking approval from the Department for Transport to secure new metro trains following an extensive procurement process. If approved, Southeastern would replace the ageing Networker fleet, which has been in use since the early 1990s, with an accessible, air-conditioned and more reliable fleet.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Louie French MP said: “I’m pleased that in creating this proposal, Southeastern has listened to the community’s asks.
“The trains would be more accessible with level boarding, more comfortable thanks to air conditioning and toilet facilities, and more reliable so people can easily travel by rail without delays or cancellations.
“My constituents deserve a modern railway. I urge you to approve this plan without delay.”
In December 2026, following a campaign led by Louie French MP, Southeastern will restore the all-day loop connection between Sidcup and Abbey Wood, add more Charing Cross services on the Bexleyheath line and increase services to six trains an hour on both the Bexleyheath and Sidcup lines.
Mr French added: "New trains would transform the service, bringing more passengers back to the railway, supporting economic growth in the region and lowering the taxpayer's subsidy."
