South West Trains are refurbishing the First Class area on its fleet of 30 Class 458 ‘Juniper’ EMUs as part of a two-year improvement project.

As part of the refurbishment, the First Class compartment will be upgraded with new seats, new tables and a new coat of paint, whilst the train’s disabled toilet will be improved to make it more user-friendly for wheelchair users. A programme to install CCTV in every carriage is also underway for improved security. During the course of the work the units will have a ‘C4’ overhaul, which involves removing components such as the wheels, axles and suspension for inspection and renewal, as appropriate. In addition, lights have already been added near the base of the passenger doors to improve visibility in the footstep area at night.

The work is taking place at Bournemouth Depot, where work on the first unit is already underway. The work takes approximately two weeks, with one unit at the depot at a time.

Mac Mackintosh, SWT Engineering Director said: “This First Class upgrade is in response to passenger feedback and they now have a newly refurbished area with tables that can fit more laptop computers on than before, for example. The work will improve security, disability awareness and comfort and I hope passengers on our services between Reading and London Waterloo and those between Guildford and Ascot notice a visible improvement to their trains.”