South Western Railway unveils refurbished carriages amid delays

Passengers suffered hour-long delays because of a broken down train Credit: ITV Meridian

  • Watch our Transport Correspondent Mike Pearse's full report below

Interviewees: Andy Mellors Managing Director, South Western Railway

New refurbished train carriages have been unveiled by South Western Railway, albeit amid delays, as part of a £110 million upgrade.

The company's biggest ever upgrade aims to ease overcrowding on what is the busiest rail network in Europe.

£100,000 a carriage is being spent on new seats, carpets, power sockets and better information.

The traditional red interior is being replaced with blue Credit: ITV Meridian

Around 5,000 more standard class seats are being added on 1,000 carriages used across the network.

On the fleet of long distance trains, the guards and buffet area has been removed, and first class is smaller to allow for extra seats to ease overcrowding.

The refurbishment work is being carried out in Eastleigh Credit: ITV Meridian

The project is creating 200 new jobs in Eastleigh where the work is being carried out.

The ongoing refurbishment will continue over the next six months.

One of the new look carraiges Credit: ITV Meridian