Goodbye Class 455 Welcome Class 377

AFTER 40 YEARS of loyal service Southern Railway removed all 46 of the ageing Class 455 railway stock from passenger service at the start of the new timetable on Sunday May 15 and replaced it with the modern 377 stock.

The Class 455 trains, leased by Govia Thameslink Railway, were built between 1982 and 1985 and operated the bulk of services between Central London and Sutton, Epsom Downs, Tattenham Corner, Caterham, East Croydon, West Croydon and Beckenham Junction.

Class 455 train passenger accommodation

The modern Class 377 stock is fully airconditioned with onboard WiFi, an open area for wheelchairs or prams and toilets on intermediate coaches.

Class 377 train entering Banstead Station

The stock is also fitted with external CCTV. Let’s hope the Class 377 stock lasts as long as the ageing Class 455 stock most of which is being sent to be broken up and scrapped.

Class 377 train passenger accommodation