Getting around our trains
Our services use various train types. Our newer trains (class 377 and 171) are compliant with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (1998) (RVAR).
Section 46 of the Disability Discrimination Act gives the Secretary of State the power to make regulations to ensure that all new trains (post 1998) are accessible to as many disabled people as possible by meeting the regulations.
Southern operate approximately 900 carriages across its routes, 736 of which are RVAR compliant and a further 64 class 460 carriages (Gatwick express only) are RVAR compliant with some exemptions. the remainder are older carriages, class 455, 456 and 442 which have been updated, where possible, to include many features to improve accessibility.
Features that can be found on our newer trains include:
- Double sliding exit doors operated by tactile, illuminated low force buttons
- Accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair users
- Audible door operation
- Audible and visual announcements throughout the journey
- Interior designed to offer colour contrast
- Dedicated spaces for wheelchair users integrated with seating in carriages. there is signage on board detailing how your wheelchair should be positioned for your safety whilst travelling
- Call for aid buttons in the wheelchair accessible carriages
- Many carriages of each train have wide aisles however, in some carriages we have provided more seating to meet demand, reducing the aisle width
- Clearly signed priority seats within each carriage
- Our older trains (non-RVAR) – classes 455, 456, and 442 have been adapted to offer as many accessible features as possible within the existing design. these trains mainly operate in the metro area (see table below)
- Class 442 trains (Gatwick express to the south coast) have more restrictive door widths (single doors) and smaller accessible toilets and may not be suitable for some passengers. we are unable to accept any mobility scooters onto these services unless they fold down and can be carried on board as luggage
Table to show types of train, RVAR status and route they use:
| Class of Train | RVAR | Non-RVAR | Area covered |
| 377 | Yes | All routes possible with the exemption of Brighton/Ashford and Uckfield/London Bridge routes | |
| 455 | Yes | Metro/South London | |
| 456 | Yes | Metro/South London | |
| 171 | Yes | Generally routes to Uckfield and Ashford | |
| 460 | Yes* | Gatwick Airport to London Victoria only | |
| 442 | Yes (unable to accept mobility scooters) | Gatwick Express peak services between london and the south coast |
* with exemptions
How do I know which type of train am I getting on?
At the front and back of each train is a unique train identification number. the first three numbers will tell you which class of train you are about to board. For example, the next train you catch might have 377421 on the front. This will be a class 377 train and from the table above you will see that it is a RVAR compliant train. On the class 442 and class 460 services the number is on the side of the train.
Priority seats
There are several priority seats which are clearly labelled in each carriage on all our trains, they are generally close to the exit doors so they are more accessible to passengers who need them. Southern’s Priority Seat Card started in March 2008 to offer assistance to passengers who found it difficult to gain a priority seat.
More information on Southern's Priority Seat Card
Onboard catering
Many of our services have on board catering using trolleys that travel the length of the train. Please see timetables or contact us to establish which services these are.
