The Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader have written to the Transport Secretary in to support of Southeastern's business plan to replace its ageing Networker trains with a reliable, accessible and comfortable fleet, so that Bexley residents can have the modern railway they deserve. The current fleet of Southeastern trains have been in constant use for more than three decades and due to their age trains can no longer provide a reliable or comfortable means of transport for local people.

We have published below their letter sent on 14 July.

London Borough of Bexley
Civic Offices 
2 Watling Street 
Bexleyheath 
DA6 7AT

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander
Secretary of State for Transport
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR

14th July 2026

Dear Secretary of State,

On behalf of Bexley residents, we are writing to support Southeastern's business plan to replace its ageing Networker trains with a reliable, accessible and comfortable fleet.

It is beyond time to retire the Networker fleet. First introduced in the early 1990s, they have been in constant use for more than three decades. Due to their age, trains can no longer provide a reliable or comfortable means of transport for passengers. When they break, passengers are stuck or delayed. When heatwaves hit, the carriages become unbearable. When they arrive, they are unable to offer the level boarding that an accessible railway demands.

Bexley deserves a modern train service. Every year (excluding the impact of Covid) train usage is increasing, and in 2024/25 almost 13 million rail journeys are made on Southeastern trains to and from the 11 Southeastern managed stations in our Borough, which is a 30% increase in usage since 1997/98, around the time the current Networkers were brought into use. With few other public transport alternatives, the railway connects residents to employment and training opportunities in London and brings visitors to Bexley, supporting our local economy. Our strong rail links underpin our plans to build sustainably in our town centres, regenerate the northern parts of our Borough, and attract investment to our Borough to create and support more local jobs. After three decades, our residents deserve to have the benefits of modern trains rather than some of the oldest in the country.

A modern fleet of trains would transform Southeastern's metro services, encourage more people to return to the railway, and support Bexley's growth plans. Southeastern's business plan has taken residents' feedback into account, with the proposed new trains including air conditioning, toilet facilities and level boarding. These improvements would transform and be a huge improvement on uncomfortable Networker trains, as well as improving access and facilities for disabled passengers and those with other mobility needs. As a new fleet, it would also be easier to maintain, reducing delays and cancellations. The addition of batteries would also make the railway more resilient and help reduce delays caused by trespassers, a particular issue for the metro service.

In Bexley, we've seen the difference a modern train fleet can make to public transport usage. A significant part of the Elizabeth Line's appeal is not just the connectivity it offers but the reliable, comfortable and air-conditioned fleet it provides. If the Department for Transport is serious about encouraging more people to travel by rail, supporting economic growth, and reducing the taxpayers' subsidy for railways, approving Southeastern's business plan is a no-brainer.

We strongly urge you to approve this plan and provide Bexley with the modern, comfortable, reliable and accessible trains our Borough deserves. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss this matter further and look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,