Southern Upgrades Fleet for Quieter Commutes

Southern Railway replaces 31,000 rubber bushes with nylon parts on 182 trains

Southern Replaces 31,000 Bushes to Silence Tables

Southern Railway's fixing a problem that's annoyed commuters for years: squeaky seat-back tables. The operator's replacing over 31,000 aging rubber bushes with silent nylon versions across its fleet of 182 Electrostar trains, officials said. The upgrade affects every Class 377 train serving London and the South Coast, with each unit containing approximately 86 tray tables that'll no longer announce passengers' movements to the entire carriage.

Part of Broader Fleet Modernization

The table fix is part of Southern's comprehensive refurbishment programme that's transforming the operator's entire fleet. Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern along with Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express services, is investing in fresh paint, new seat fabrics, and new carpets throughout the trains. One train undergoes a 'C6' overhaul at Selhurst Depot in South London each week, receiving full inspections and comprehensive upgrades. The Electrostar fleet is the largest in the country, making the refurbishment programme one of the most extensive maintenance efforts in British rail.

Nylon Components Replace Worn Rubber Parts

Each seat-back tray table has two bushes installed, with approximately 86 tables per unit, totaling 31,304 bushes across the 182-train fleet. The new nylon bushes reduce friction when tables are moved, eliminating the squeaking noise that previously accompanied every adjustment. Louis Rambaud, Southern's Chief Customer Officer, said small improvements like these often make the biggest difference to passenger journeys. The company's released video footage showing before and after comparisons of the tables, demonstrating the dramatic reduction in noise levels.

Weekly Overhauls Continue Through 2025

Southern's completing one full C6 overhaul each week at Selhurst Depot, though officials haven't specified when the entire fleet will have the new bushes installed. At the current pace of one train per week, the programme will continue for several years to cover all 182 units. The regular maintenance schedule ensures trains receive comprehensive inspections while the upgrades are installed, minimizing additional service disruptions.

Quieter Journeys for London Commuters

Passengers on Southern services across London, the South Coast, and surrounding regions will notice quieter carriages as more trains receive the upgrade. The improvement particularly benefits commuters on longer journeys where table use is more common. Riders can track which services are operating refurbished trains through real-time updates. Moovit provides current service information for Southern Railway routes throughout the network.