The squeak of seat-back tray tables being pulled down or folded back up is soon to be a thing of the past, as new – silent – parts are being rolled out across its fleet of Electrostar trains, the largest in the country.
More than 31,000 ageing rubber ‘bushes’, the part which reduces friction when the table is moved, will be replaced with a nylon version on seat-back tables across the fleet as part of the train operator’s regular maintenance programme, which will also include a fresh lick of paint, new seat fabrics and new carpets throughout.
Louis Rambaud, Southern’s Chief Customer Officer, said:
“We’re all familiar with the moment you lower a table and feel like you’ve announced yourself to the whole carriage. This is quickly becoming a thing of the past as we refurbish our trains to make journeys even more comfortable.
“We’re hot on the heels of change, tackling even the squeakiest of details, as we know small improvements like these often make the biggest difference to your journey.”
The improvement is made as part of a major refurbishment of the fleet by Southern. One train goes through the ‘C6’ overhaul at Selhurst Depot in South London each week and undergoes a full inspection before receiving a repaint, new seat upholstery and carpet, as well as repairing any outstanding issues or making modifications.
