Drivers refuse to board 'Bedbug Express' trains as infestation shuts Southeastern railway routes

From the Newshound archive · first published 3 October 2026 · last updated 4 October 2026.

Southeastern train drivers walked out rather than board carriages after bedbugs were spotted crawling in cabs and passengers' bags, triggering widespread cancellations across London and Kent routes. Drivers demanded protective gear before they would return to work, leaving commuters stranded. Southeastern has since said services are back to normal.

Bugs were found specifically in driver cabs, forcing staff to refuse entry without protective clothing.

The chaos hit Hastings-line services among others, with passengers facing travel disruption across the network.

Southeastern branded the crisis under control overnight — but not before the 'Bedbug Express' nickname spread online.