South Western Railway Blog

Waterloo’s highly visible colleagues

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

SWR and Network Rail colleagues at London Waterloo started this week sporting new hi-vis vests, making them even more visible for customers and promoting the One Team approach at the station.

The new orange and blue vests replace the previous purple ones. The new design’s bold colours stand out more on the busy concourse making it easier for customers to find a member of the station team, especially during major events or disruption.

Waterloo’s One Team approach means that it doesn’t matter whether a colleague works for SWR or Network Rail, everyone is there to support customers. Whilst there are subtle differences to the style for SWR and Network Rail colleagues, to the untrained eye the differences aren’t noticeable so customers don’t need to distinguish between the two organisations, they can get help from anyone in the team.

SWR’s Regional Manager for Waterloo, Chico Coulibaly said: “The new hi-vis vests are a practical change aimed at improving staff visibility, but they also serve a greater purpose: reinforcing the message that we are one cohesive team, here to support our customers. The updated hi-vis design helps customers easily identify staff and increases their confidence in knowing that help is available. It also instils a sense of pride and professionalism among colleagues, contributing to a stronger team identity and presence across the station.”

Network Rail Station Manager for Waterloo, Dan Harrison said: “By introducing better quality, more visible vests, we are making our staff easier to identify in all conditions and situations. This change enhances passenger reassurance, ensuring support and assistance can be found quickly and confidently throughout the station. In addition to the benefits to our passengers, our staff now have a vest which is fit for purpose, allowing them to carry their equipment more comfortably and is more durable for the station environment. The change highlights the ongoing collaborative workstreams between NR & SWR with colleagues’ safety at the forefront.”

The Weymouth Way

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Some may think it’s the ‘end of the line’ but for the Weymouth team, their station is the start of their customers’ journeys. The team works together to help all customers, from holidaymakers to daily commuters, travel as safely and smoothly as possible.

Weymouth station is the southern terminus of the South West Main Line, with three platforms and a fast and semi-fast service to and from London Waterloo. GWR also has trains calling at Weymouth. Only a short walk from the waterfront, the station gets very busy this time of the year and, while the team has to handle challenges like disruption, ticketless travellers, and aggressive people under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the care that colleagues show one another helps them deal with each situation.

“During disruption, we’re sometimes waiting for information or have trains turning around before they get to Weymouth, but we always do our best to get our customers from A to B,” said Maria Edwins, Customer Ambassador CO3.

Customer Ambassador Christine Wynter shared, “We see a lot of people, including some that are vulnerable and some that are stranded. We have to be able to adapt, but it can also be very rewarding.”

Aeryn Scotcher, RO2, shared, “We’ve got a good team, with good rapport. When things do go wrong, everything is typically alright because we’ve got each other.”

George Longden, RO2 Supervisor added, “We have a good understanding of how we work together and we’re able to have a laugh even when we’re dealing with disruption.”

Knowing everyone’s roles also helps the team. RO1 Helen Baxter, who works with teams across shifts said, “We don’t stick to our defined roles. I fill the spaces when needed. If we didn’t support each other, things would get missed.”

And when things don’t go as planned, the team keeps calm and takes the initiative. “We follow the appropriate channels and keep customers informed as much as we can. Every day is different. It makes our roles interesting!” said Carlo Haider, RO2 Supervisor.

Bournemouth FDSM Cliff Baxter, who is supporting the team, is impressed by how well they work together: “They take pride in looking after the station and come with ideas on things that can be done. They take on and do a lot more than looking after the station, passenger assists and dispatching trains.”

Weymouth is another fantastic example of how our colleagues go the extra mile and look after each other along the way.

Over 300 Drivers Complete Arterio Training

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

The Arterio programme reached another milestone last week as the 300th Driver completed their training. This means that nearly half of our Drivers that are due to be trained have now achieved Arterio competency. We also welcomed the 22nd Arterio into passenger service on Monday.

Waterloo Driver James Wishart, who recently completed Arterio training, shared “It’s a privilege to be a part of something big and my experience of Arterios so far has been fantastic. In comparison, the Arterios and the other trains that we drive are like night and day. I really like these trains and think a lot of other drivers, as well as our customers, will like them as well.”

Operations Trainer, Dave Pinch said: “I’ve been involved in training Drivers on Arterios for 18 months now, and almost everyone reaches the end of the course impressed with the trains and keen to get back to their depot and start driving them.”

It’s taken a big team effort to get to this point with contributions from many colleagues including Operations Trainer Gary Sayers who produced all the course material that has been used to train over 300 Drivers so far and Michelle Hague-Trawka and Safianu Alhassan-Molla from the Centralised Roster Office, who are arranging the release of the Drivers and Guards to attend the courses.

Aaron Sweet, Senior Arterio Mobilisation Manager, added “We are introducing more services to the network at pace. This shows the remarkable efforts and collaboration among teams, including the Operations Training and Safety Training Centre, as well as our Driver and On Train teams.”

Each new unit coming into service significantly boosts capacity and brings extra benefits for customers including on board Wi-Fi, at-seat charging points, fully accessible toilets, real-time information screens, air conditioning, and walk-through carriages.

First Trainee Driver qualifies on Arterio

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:19:44 +0000

As the 21st Arterio came into service on Monday 15th September, there was another notable achievement for the programme as Annabelle Marks became our first trainee driver to pass their driving course with Arterio competency. Previously, all our Drivers who completed the Arterio training course were already fully qualified, with Arterios an additional competency.

Annabelle said: “I’d always thought about becoming a driver but hadn’t properly considered it until I applied, but I’m glad I did. It has been an intense period of training since I started last year, and I still have my routes to learn before I can go out driving on my own, but the Arterios are a good train to drive. They feel really safe, have good technology, and are well designed for us.”

Arterio Programme Director, Marcus Weerasinghe added: “We are making significant progress in our training programme with more and more Drivers being trained on our Arterios, matching the ongoing roll out. Congratulations to Annabelle on becoming the first newly qualified Driver trained through the Arterio programme and helping set the path for the next generation of SWR Drivers.”

Waterloo and Vauxhall among the finalists in 2025's World Cup of Stations

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:22:48 +0000

The public vote for Britain’s Most Life-Changing Station is now open, and we’re proud to announce that Vauxhall and Waterloo have both made the final 20.

This year’s World Cup of Stations celebrates 200 years of the railway and the stations that have made a real difference to people and communities across the country. From Waterloo's historic role as a gateway through Britain's past to Vauxhall's powerful community connection, both stations continue to make a real difference.

Show your support and cast your vote for Vauxhall or Waterloo on the World Cup of Stations website.

Voting is open until Friday 17 October 2025, so get your votes in now and let’s get behind our station teams!

Revenue Inspection Device training complete for Metro Guards

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:23:15 +0000

The final Revenue Inspection Device (RID) training course for Metro Guards was held in October, at the Basingstoke Campus, following a year-long programme. All of our Metro Guards have now learnt the skills required to operate the RIDs following the Guards Agreement in 2021 which saw the duties of the Metro Guard grade enhanced to include ticket checking on all services.

The courses have been run by the Train Service Project team, which has also overseen the installation of the RIDs to depots and provided support to the Metro Guards as they have become familiar with the new procedures. “It has been a mammoth task to bring in new equipment and train a large proportion of our On Train Service community,” Keith Hawkins, Train Service Project Manager said.

“Around 320 Metro Guards have been released for a day-long course which covered the use of the RID, as well as a briefing on basic ticketing and a refresher on conflict awareness. We are already seeing a vast improvement in revenue income and higher visibility scores across the Metro area.”

Join the Class 455 Farewell Tour

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

South Western Railway (SWR) is staging a farewell tour for its Class 455 trains on Sunday 21 December.

This iconic fleet of red trains, which transport customers from the likes of Guildford, Twickenham and Windsor to London Waterloo, will be retired by the end of the year. The new fleet of Arterio trains is being rolled out and will soon operate all its suburban network services.

In recognition of their role in the lives of millions of customers, their popularity with rail enthusiasts, and to mark the end of an era on the British railway network, SWR and the Branch Line Society will run a special charter service.

The ‘Class 455 Farewell’ tour will include some familiar places on the suburban network, such as Epsom and Kingston, along with a few special routes and locations, such as the District Line’s branch between East Putney and Wimbledon, plus Haslemere on the Portsmouth Direct Line*.

Just 400 tickets will go on sale, at a cost of £45.50 each, from the Branch Line Society’s website at 11am on Monday 10 November. The profits will go to three charities, The Alex Wardle Foundation, Macmillan, and The Railway Children.

Neil Drury, Engineering and Infrastructure Director, said:

“While customers are getting used to the many benefits of our new fleet of Arterio trains, we know there are a lot of enthusiasts out there who will be sad to see our classic red trains go.

“The farewell tour will be a fitting tribute to these trains, which have been a staple of our railway and worked incredibly hard for more than four decades. Best of all, the proceeds will go to three specially selected charities.

“We look forward to welcoming ticket holders on board on Sunday 21 December.”

A familiar sight for millions of commuters in South West London, Berkshire and Surrey, 70 Class 455 trains were built for what is now the SWR network by British Rail Engineering Limited, between 1982 and 1985. They entered service on SWR’s suburban routes on Monday 28 March 1983.

90 Arterio trains will replace the Class 455 fleet and are currently operating more than 300 services per day, with more joining in the coming weeks and months to transform journeys on SWR’s suburban network.

The brand new, 10-car trains will serve 98 stations in and around South West London, and each will carry over 50% more customers than the Class 455s, significantly increasing capacity for customers.

The £1 billion fleet will also improve customer comfort, providing modern features including Wi-Fi, charging points at every seat, real time information, accessible toilets and air conditioning.

This Event has now sold out.

Career transition support for service leavers

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Together with Network Rail, we held a Career Transition Partnership event for service leavers on Thursday 6 November at Basingstoke ROC. The event included a Control tour, Engineering insights, presentations from Guard, Driver, Rail Community Officer, and CX Innovation colleagues. The mini career fair also offered opportunities to network with departments and hiring managers. Thank you to colleagues who provided guidance and advice for nearly 40 attendees.

SWR has strong ties with the military, and we are now working towards the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award under the Armed Forces Covenant. The scheme acknowledges employers that provide exceptional support to the Armed Forces community. If you are currently a Reservist, you are entitled to up to 10 days paid leave each year to help you meet your commitments to the Reserve Forces. Cadet Force Adult Volunteers are given up to three days of unpaid CFAV leave days every calendar year.

We are also helping others to get involved and if you’re aware of any business interested in supporting the community, please reach out to beverley.sharp@swrailway.com who will put them in touch with the relevant contact. These initiatives show our active support for the Armed
Forces and our commitment is also reflected in SERVED, a network of colleagues with military backgrounds and our involvement with our charity partner Scotty’s Little Soldiers, who supports bereaved military children.

Our Commitment to the Armed Forces Community

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:20:05 +0000

South Western Railway is pleased to announce the launch of our new page dedicated to the Armed Forces community.

The page highlights our commitment through initiatives such as signing the Armed Forces Covenant and receiving the Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award. It also showcases our participation in careers fairs, insight events, and cadet engagement activities.

A key feature of the page is SERVED, our dedicated network for veterans, service leavers, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military families. SERVED provides support, connection, and camaraderie for colleagues with military backgrounds across our organisation.

This new page brings together information, opportunities, and stories that reflect how we support those who serve, and their families.

Click here to visit the page to learn more about our work with the Armed Forces community.

Meet the team keeping our network safe and secure

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Our team of around 30 Rail Community Officers (RCOs) spend their shifts on trains and stations across the network keeping our customers and colleagues safe and providing extra help and customer service wherever it’s needed. As the busy festive period is now upon us, the team has been bolstered by additional agency staff to ensure that our customers have a safe Christmas on the railway.

RCO Lukasz Golunski said: “We’ve been supporting the teams at Winchester with the Christmas markets helping with crowd control and customer service. We’ve also been advising customers on personal safety, reminding them to secure their personal belongings and luggage and to look out for pickpockets.”

The RCO team come from a wide range of backgrounds and varied careers, some like Martin Porter have a background in policing, whereas others such as Noor Arzomand have experience on the railway. Noor said: “When I was on the gateline at Waterloo I was aware of the work the RCOs did, and I always knew about the importance of safeguarding, particularly looking out for children who might be missing. I was eager to join the RCO team and I’m glad I did, there is a lot that I didn’t know they did though, especially how closely we work with the BTP which is a really important part of the job. We share a lot of intelligence to support them, but it’s a two-way street and they provide a lot of help and support to us.”

Martin added: “Our varied backgrounds can help us bring new ideas, as we have our own Problem Solving Assessments where we are given a problem in our local area, such as a route with a lot of fare evasion, or a station with anti-social behaviour, which we then find ways to resolve. We also find new ways of doing things. I’ve recently started to do our cycle marking scheme on board trains, where customers are less rushed, which has been more effective for engaging with them.” The team really do take on a wide responsibility for keeping our network safe and undertake additional safeguarding and first aid training when they join.

You’ll see them at major events such as Ascot, Wimbledon and Twickenham rugby, delivering safety talks in the community including at schools and Scout groups, supporting local charities and Safe Spaces at Richmond, Clapham and Waterloo. They also support in patrolling trains and checking tickets, particularly late at night to look out for vulnerable customers. Recently, in doing this they have identified and helped 36 missing children.

Sarah Brazier said: “There are so many different events and activities we get involved with including the White Ribbon relay last week, supporting revenue blockades, and helping prevent anti-social behaviour on trains and at stations. No day is ever the same.

South Western Railway achieves double Gold Investors in People accreditation

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

South Western Railway (SWR) has been awarded the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) Gold Accreditation in both the People and Wellbeing categories, recognising its outstanding commitment in its people, culture and leadership.

Investors in People provides internationally recognised standards in people management and employee wellbeing. The double Gold accreditation marks a significant milestone for SWR, recognising its continued focus on nurturing talent, celebrating contributions, and empowering colleagues through a wide range of skills and development opportunities.

The latest accreditation recognises the significant progress made since SWR secured Silver status in 2021. Over three years, SWR has embedded a clear set of values and behaviours that have helped foster a positive culture and strong sense of shared purpose among its 5,500 colleagues.

This was supported by programmes that further strengthen its investment in colleague support and development such as Leading Our Journey to Better and SWR’s Anti-Abuse and All Aboard campaigns to end discrimination and abuse on the railway.

Sharon Johnston, South Western Railway’s People and Transformation Director, said:

“Over the past three years we’ve invested heavily in our people, our culture and our leaders – and this recognition shows that our colleagues feel the difference.

“Achieving double Gold accreditation from Investors in People is a fantastic achievement and a clear reflection of how far we’ve come as an organisation.

“I’d like to thank all our colleagues for their hard work and dedication. Their commitment to our values and to each other is what makes SWR a great place to work, and it will be vital as we move into the next chapter of the railway”.

SWR also expects to receive the results of its assessment in the Apprentices category in the New Year, when it hopes to achieve a further Gold accreditation.

SWR’s apprenticeship scheme develops talent through specific training, providing young people with the skills and experience they need to thrive across the railway industry.

In 2022, the scheme was expanded and SWR became the only train operator to welcome applicants between the ages of 16 and 18, through its Young Talent Apprenticeship (YTA) programme.

What does a train guard do? Meet Ashley, SWR Guard

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what the role of train guard involves? Meet Ashley, one of our guards. You will have seen guards checking tickets, but as Ashley explains, the role is so much more than that.

Guards are the eyes and ears of our trains. From helping customers board services to providing timely and accurate travel information, they are the first port of call for customers throughout their journey.

We have a guard on every one of our trains, helping to ensure a safe, smooth and comfortable journey for all.

Thousands turn out for three days of Railway 200 celebrations at Southampton Central

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

More than 2,000 visitors flocked to Southampton Central this week to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Britain’s railway.

South Western Railway (SWR) were honoured to host the Railway 200 Inspiration train between Sunday 14 and Tuesday 16 December when it visited the flagship station, itself a hotbed of railway history.

Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, Inspiration is an exhibition train that aims to attract the next generation of pioneering talent to the railway. An incredible 2,263 visitors attended Southampton Central across the three days, making it one of the most visited stops of the train’s nationwide tour.

The train of four eye-catching coaches contain several different attractions, starting with the ‘Railway Firsts’ coach, which explores the railway's pioneering pedigree and highlights landmark moments in the railway's development.

The second coach, ‘Wonderlab on Wheels’, challenges visitors to test their engineering skills with hands-on exhibits. School children and younger visitors were inspired by the third carriage, ‘Your Railway Future’, which showcases hidden roles in rail and encourages future generations to join the railway, helping to shape the next 200 years. The fourth coach, the ‘Partner Zone’, included a SWR Virtual Reality experience on Sunday and Monday, with an exhibition from the University of Portsmouth and Brickworks displayed on Tuesday.

To celebrate the train’s arrival, two new murals were unveiled at the station, followed by a special performance by the Steam Town Shanty Crew, an a cappella sea shanty group from Eastleigh, singing traditional songs of the sea.

The railway in Southampton has a unique link to the sea. Southampton Central was opened as ‘Southampton West’ in 1895 by the London & South Western Railway, which later became part of the Southern Railway, who owned and operated Southampton Docks. The former Southampton Terminus station in Southampton City Centre also served the Port of Southampton between 1840 and 1966.

Visitors described the exhibition train as “brilliant”, “fascinating” and “a great experience”. Mags and Richard Wylie came to visit the train from Fareham, said “What better way to look at the heritage and future of the railway and the impact it has had on peoples lives”

Phil Dominey, South Western Railway's Senior Regional Development Manager, said:

"It was such a joy to welcome the Inspiration Train back to the SWR network following its visit to London Waterloo in July.

“The visit to Southampton was very special, as it is a city where countless journeys have begun, connecting rail and sea. The event was a fitting celebration in the railway's 200th year.

“So many people took the opportunity to step on board to explore the past, present and future of the railway. We would like to thank everyone who helped make this such a successful event including the volunteers and stakeholders, including GO! Southampton and Winchester Railway Modellers”

Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, said:

“From the striking mural and the sea shanties to the more than 2,000 happy visitors who flocked to Southampton station, it’s been a stop to remember on Inspiration’s tour.

“Inspiration continues travelling Britain until June 2026. If you missed out this time, it’s visiting Swanage, Salisbury and The Watercress Line near Winchester in February.”

The train first opened to the public on Friday 27 June at the Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire and has since visited several locations all around Britain.

Tens of thousands of people have visited Inspiration on its tour so far, making it a must see. For anyone unable to catch the train at Southampton Central, Inspiration will be returning to the SWR network in February 2026, when it is set to visit Salisbury and Kingston. More information about these future visits can be found at www.railway200.co.uk/inspiration.

Many of the team from South Western Railway took part in the exhibition by welcoming visitors and providing guidance during the event.

Their involvement helped showcase Inspiration and highlight the railway’s commitment to celebrating Britain’s rail heritage.

30 Arterios boost capacity

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

With the 30th Arterio being introduced, we are now operating over 390 daily Arterio services and serving all 96 stations on our suburban network. Since May, we have quadrupled the number of Arterios in service and increased our capacity by 20% or more on some suburban routes.

This also means that for the 135,000 customers who come through Waterloo on weekdays, the additional capacity, reliability, and comfort make their commute better.

Our colleagues also enjoy working the Arterios and have seen first-hand how these modern trains are making a difference for customers.

The training programme has matched the pace of the Arterio roll-out and training for Drivers, Guards, and Rail Operators all surpassed the 300 mark by November.

Teams working behind-the-scenes like our Endorsement team and Engineering teams at depots also continue to carry out essential work to ensure Arterios are ready to enter passenger service and that these new units keep performing well.

Behind the Scenes at Wimbledon Depot with Geoff Marshall

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:02:43 +0000

South Western Railway recently welcomed YouTuber Geoff Marshall to Wimbledon Traincare Depot for a behind‑the‑scenes look at a moment of real change on our network.

With the new Arterio 701 fleet now close to full rollout, Geoff visited the depot to bid farewell to the much‑loved Class 455 trains after more than four decades of service.

During his tour, he met the teams who keep our trains running safely and reliably every day, and explored what goes into maintaining a modern fleet.

You can watch the video here.

Your Journey Starts Here: Meet the Customer Experience Training Team

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Your Journey Starts Here.

Every great career at South Western Railway starts out with our Customer Experience Training Team. They are the architects of your first impression, ensuring that from the very first moment you feel empowered, inspired, and fully equipped for the track ahead. From setting up your digital tools and ID passes to the seamless delivery of your induction, this team works tirelessly behind the scenes to pave your way to success.

“Every colleague at SWR starts their journey with us. Whether you are joining the business for the first time, transitioning into a new role, or returning to sharpen your skills, our doors are always open.

My team manages the logistics, creation and delivery of over 22 specialist courses across every area of the business. I am immensely proud to lead such a creative, passionate, and inspiring group of people who are dedicated to your professional growth. We look forward to welcoming you to the SWR family and supporting you every step of the way." - Emma Cook CEx Training Manager

The First Step of Your Adventure.

Induction isn't just a meeting; it’s the beginning of your journey. This is where you will discover the heart of our company, connect with colleagues who may become lifelong friends, and truly experience what it means to be part of the SWR family.

We’ve designed the induction to flow like the perfect rail journey, giving you the confidence to take charge of your new role from day one. You’ll dive deep into our vision, mission and purpose that shapes everything we do. We don't just talk about inclusion; we live it. Through dedicated disability and equality awareness, we ensure every colleague understands that a truly inclusive railway is a stronger railway.

Expertise That Moves You.

As you progress, your training becomes as unique as your role. While our Guards master the art of keeping our customers safe on our trains, our Station and Revenue Protection teams dive into the nuances of world-class customer service. It’s about more than just "the job", it’s to be the team everyone trusts, to connect the people and places that matter.

Our Behaviours.

At SWR, we are driven by a single spark: bringing people together to get the most out of life. You’ll see this purpose in action as you learn the behaviours that define us.

Our trainers bring these behaviours to life, transforming theory into the real-world skills you’ll use every day.

“It can be easy to think of demonstrating the SWR behaviours as something impressive or grand. However, we see them as the small, everyday actions that help us to be the best version of ourselves - especially when others are relying on us. Throughout our training, we encourage learners to reflect on the SWR behaviours and recognise how these small actions, taken consistently, add up to create big wins.” - Katy Simmonds. CEx Trainer

Empathy in Action

Our Disability and Equality workshop is a standout part of your development. You will step into the shoes of our customers and colleagues, learning how to break down barriers and champion a culture of belonging. Through the Passenger Assist process, you’ll see how a little empathy and full accountability can transform a customer’s day.

The Engine: Learning & Development Administrators & Recruitment Teams.

Behind every great trainer is an incredible support system. Our Learning & Development Admin team are the masters of logistics and planning, ensuring your courses are perfectly coordinated and your equipment is ready when you are. They are the go-to experts for your initial queries and the "engine" that keeps our training programmes on track.

“As Learning & development administrators, we manage many of the behind-the-scenes details that keep training running smoothly. Our role includes coordinating colleague release, booking training rooms, raising purchase orders, liaising with external caterers, issuing joining instructions and staff ID cards and tracking KPI's.

We collaborate closely with Recruitment and IT to ensure everything is in place for each new colleague as they start their journey with us. Much of our work happens in the background, but alongside our trainers and manager, the admin team plays a vital role in making every training session a success.” - Kerryn Howard, L&D Administrator

This unseen work starts even before your first day. Our Recruitment and Learning & Development Admin teams work together to ensure your onboarding is effortless. From the first check to the final detail, we collaborate to make sure the stage is set for you to shine.

"By working together with the training team, we can ensure that all new colleagues are fully prepared before they start. By sharing the correct information early, including any outstanding right to work checks and onboarding requirements, we help create a smooth, supportive experience that sets everyone up from day one." - Maria, Recruitment Administrator

The Personal Touch

Beyond the processes and the practicalities, the training team is about connection. They are the first friendly faces you’ll meet—the people who ensure that in those first few days, you never feel lost, only supported.

“Great teams are built one amazing person at a time — welcome to the family!" - Nikki Rutter

By the time you finish your programme, you won't just be "trained"—you will be a vital part of the SWR story. You’ll walk away with the knowledge to succeed, the confidence to lead, and the pride of knowing you belong to a team where we work together with care and commitment, to make every journey, every day, easy and reliable.

This is more than a job. This is your career.

WE ARE SWR!

Catching fare evaders at Waterloo

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:06:23 +0000

Before Christmas, our Revenue Protection team undertook a two-week block at Waterloo focused on Monday-Thursday travel, to ensure customers arriving at the station were travelling with valid tickets.

The team take a data-led approach to decide what to look out for such as misuse of Railcards or short-faring, where a customer buys a ticket for only a short part of their journey.

Revenue Protection Operations Manager, Renato Dos Santos said: “From January to September there were around 44,000 suspicious tickets bought for journeys from Vauxhall to Waterloo. For this blockade, we are targeting the platforms at Waterloo where we know trains haven’t stopped at Vauxhall, so we can easily identify those without a valid ticket.”

The data can really make a difference and build up a picture of fraud, Senior Revenue Protection Manager Jakob Grun said: “We have great insights from our Commercial Data team, and we also work really closely with the likes of Trainline who can share purchasing history of a customer if we have
reason to believe they have been avoiding paying the correct fare.”

It’s not just the data that helps crack down on fare evaders, the skills of the team make a big difference as well. Revenue Protection Assistant Sam Veitch said: “When we do these blocks we play to each other’s strengths. On our suburban platforms we’ll use the Waterloo and Metro teams who are used to dealing with contactless payments, whereas on the mainline platforms we use a mixture of our Central and Waterloo teams who are more familiar with the issues on those services such as short-fares.”

Of course, not every fare-evader is friendly towards the team, which is where their conflict-management skills help. Sharon McNulty said: “Reading body language is really important. You don’t want to escalate a situation if it isn’t safe and things can change in a split second. Empathy is also important. You don’t know what’s happened to that person before you talk to them, so you always need to adapt to the situation.”

During 2025, the team was featured in the successful Channel 5 show Fare Dodgers, with many of those involved still being asked for selfies. It’s had other impacts too, with some customers owning up to thousands of pounds worth of fare evasion in fear of the repercussions that were highlighted on the programme.

A day in the life of a Guard

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Bill, one of our Commercial Guards, gives us a behind the scenes look of what a typical day looks like for a Guard on our network.

It's a busy shift connecting customers between London and the South and South West of our network, from checking notices when booking on, filling in any incident reports, and assisting customers.

Safeguarding on Rail Scheme

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:15:56 +0000

A host of examples of colleagues looking out for vulnerable customers has helped us achieve Safeguarding on Rail Scheme accreditation for the third year in a row. The impressive safeguarding culture which is embedded in our organisation meant we achieved 100% against the assessment criteria of the BTP’s scheme. A tremendous achievement.

The accreditation recognises the compassionate work of our colleagues, who have shown concern and empathy for customers in difficult situations.

Grant Robey, Head of Security & Safeguarding, shared: “Thank you to everyone who helped with the accreditation process. Achieving a 100% mark is a reflection the hard work and commitment to the safeguarding of our colleagues, customers, and communities. This also recognises that we are industry leaders in this area and we should be extremely proud of this.”

The BTP’s assessment looked at our proactive approach to safeguarding across the business, including measures to protect vulnerable people, train colleagues, and run safety and wellbeing campaigns.

There’s a similar focus on safeguarding for our colleagues in Network Rail, especially for the station teams, who receive regular guidance on how to spot and assist vulnerable people on our network.

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:57:08 +0000

Your Future Starts on the Railway

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week from the 9th – 15th February, we’re shining a light on the talented individuals who choose to start their careers with us, and the incredible impact they make across our network.

Whether you’re fascinated by engineering, passionate about customer service, or ready to lead teams of your own, our apprenticeships open the door to a world of opportunity. Each year, more people apply to join us, and the popularity of our programme speaks for itself. Applications for our 2026 apprenticeships reached record levels this year, showing just how popular our programmes have become.

Behind every application is someone ready to grow, and we’re proud to be the place where that growth begins.

A Supportive Start to Your Career

From day one, apprentices are welcomed into a community built on teamwork, inclusion, and genuine care. You’ll be guided by colleagues who bring years of experience and a passion for helping others succeed. They’ll share their knowledge, offer support, and make sure you feel confident as you take on new challenges.

It’s not just about learning skills, it’s about finding your place, your people, and your purpose.

Learning That Moves You Forward

As the railway evolves, so do the opportunities within it. Our apprentices play a vital role in shaping the future of travel, from supporting the introduction of our new Arterio fleet to helping create a cleaner, greener railway for the communities we serve.

Your training blends hands‑on experience with nationally recognised qualifications, giving you the tools to build a career that’s both meaningful and full of possibility.

Programmes That Fit Your Ambition

We offer apprenticeships for different stages of life and career goals:

· Young Talent Rail Apprenticeships (16–18) — Level 2–3 roles across customer service, IT, planning, communications, and more.

· Leadership Rail Apprenticeships (18+) — Level 3–4 programmes designed to develop the leaders of tomorrow.

· Engineering Apprenticeship (18+) — A specialist pathway working towards the Level 3 Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician qualification.

Each programme is designed to help you grow, step by step, into the professional you want to become.

Oliver, one of our Young Talent Apprentices explained how he "was captivated with what they had to offer me, and it showed me how the railway industry is rich in opportunities. I could shadow any team that I was interested in, I could be take part in events that all TOCs pour so much time and effort with".

"Once my apprenticeship comes to an end, I hope to apply for a position within the Recruitment team. I believe that I have found what function of the business I want to pursue. I find the job is in line with my skills and I find that every day in the office is different".

Oliver added "doing an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to develop and learn. No matter what your age is, there always is an apprenticeship for you".

A Journey That Belongs to You

Although applications for our 2026 apprenticeships are now closed, the journey doesn’t end here. We’ll continue to share updates, stories, and future opportunities, and we’d love for you to be part of what comes next.

At South Western Railway, apprentices don’t just join a programme.

They join a family.

They join a purpose.

They join the future of rail.

WE ARE SWR.

Wellbeing Support Across the Network

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

South Western Railway is powered by people. Every journey, every station, and every customer interaction is shaped by colleagues who bring dedication, empathy, and resilience to their roles. That’s why supporting their wellbeing is a core part of who we are.

Throughout the year, we run a wide range of wellbeing activities designed to help colleagues pause, reflect, and feel supported both at work and at home. These moments of connection reinforce a simple truth: when our people thrive, our railway thrives.

Creating Space to Connect

Across our network, we regularly host sessions that encourage colleagues to slow down and check in with themselves and each other. Whether it’s sharing a cup of tea with volunteers from partner organisations or taking a quiet moment during a busy shift, these opportunities help build a culture where people feel seen, valued, and supported.

Practical Health Support That Makes a Real Difference

We offer a variety of health and wellness events that give colleagues access to meaningful, practical support. These sessions often include:

Cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure checks
Healthy food tasting and nutritional guidance
Stress management and musculoskeletal health advice
Sleep and fatigue awareness
Cancer awareness events
Drug and alcohol awareness sessions

Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Sheree Whetren shared:

“Everyone had the chance to check in on their wellbeing, with testings for cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure as well as picking up fresh fruit, trying cholesterol‑friendly drinks, and grabbing some LoSalt sachets to help support healthier choices.”

These events empower colleagues with knowledge about their health and give them practical tools to make positive changes.

Supporting Mental Health and Building Resilience

Wellbeing is more than physical health — it’s emotional wellbeing too. We continue to strengthen the support available to colleagues navigating difficult or challenging moments.

Our TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) programme provides confidential support following direct or indirect involvement in traumatic incidents — an essential service in an industry where such events can occur.

Occupational Health Technician Laura Treadway explains:

“We offer trauma support to our SWR employees following traumatic incidences which sadly are an occurrence on the railway.”

We’ve also expanded our mental health support by introducing in‑house training for colleagues to become Mental Health First Aiders. This ensures we have trained, approachable people across the business who can offer early support and signpost colleagues to further help when needed.

Championing Physical Wellbeing Through the Active Hub

To help colleagues stay active in ways that suit them, we offer exclusive access to the Active Hub, a year‑round home for movement, motivation, and connection.

The Active Hub includes:

A non‑stop calendar of solo and team challenges
Flagship events that bring colleagues together
Opportunities to support charities through activity
Rewards and incentives, including the Active Trees programme
In‑person events such as walking clubs and football tournaments

It’s designed to inspire colleagues to move more, connect more, and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

We also support physical wellbeing through health assessment discounts and gym membership offers, making it easier for colleagues to prioritise their health.

Honouring and Remembering Together

Each year, we take time to reflect and remember colleagues we’ve lost. Events such as the MiND Memorial Tree bring people together in moments of unity and compassion — a reminder that wellbeing includes caring for our community as a whole.

A Workplace Where Wellbeing Truly Matters

These initiatives are just a snapshot of the many ways we support our people. Whether it’s a health check, a conversation over a cup of tea, a resilience‑building programme, or a moment of reflection, each activity reinforces our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and cared for.

Wellbeing isn’t a one‑off event for us. It’s an ongoing promise to listen, to support, and to make sure every colleague has what they need to thrive.

Diesel fleet Overhaul Begins

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:12:31 +0000

Our engineering teams at Bournemouth Depot have begun a major overhaul of our Class 158 and 159 diesel fleet, which run on the parts of our network which aren’t electrified such as the West of England line and on the Romsey Rounder services.

The work, known as a C6, involves overhauling all the customer facing elements of the train, with the entire interior stripped out and either refurbished or replaced if needed. Apart from a few components such as air conditioning, CET/toilet tanks, and door valves, all the work is being carried out by the Bournemouth depot team.

During the works the team will be the removing and repainting interior panelling, refitting windows with new rubber seals and replacing any damaged windows, fitting new seat covers, installing new flooring, including Axminster carpets, and overhauling the toilets, including inspection for corrosion. The exterior of the train will also be repainted by the team, including a lighter roof colour to deflect heat in the summer and improve the reliability of the air conditioning system.

The fleet last had an overhaul in 2015, and this programme of works is expected to last until 2030, with each train taking up to six weeks to be completed.

Bournemouth Depot Manager, Simon Riordan said: “Everyone in the team at Bournemouth is taking pride in working on this project and putting their own stamp on it. The team are ensuring the work is done efficiently, and with safety at its core, so we can deliver a great end result for our customers.”

Celebrating International Women's Day 2026

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:28:40 +0000

At South Western Railway, women are driving progress in every corner of our organisation, helping shape a railway that works for everyone.

Their stories reflect resilience, creativity, and a shared commitment to making rail travel better for our customers and communities.

As we mark International Women’s Day 2026 on the 8th March, we’re celebrating the women who inspire us, those who support inclusion, push our industry forward, and contribute to the future of rail.

Join us as we celebrate some of the incredible women who make SWR what it is.

Helen Chatband

Data Privacy Compliance Manager

"My name is Helen, and I am the Data Privacy Compliance Manager for South Western Railway. I work in the Data Privacy Team, which may only be small, but plays an important role across the business. Every day carries a responsibility to the people behind the data we handle."

"I oversee day-to-day data protection compliance at SWR, ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory obligations. I manage Data Subject Rights Requests, conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments, maintain our Record of Processing Activities, and, when things don’t go to plan, deal with data breaches. I also work closely with our CCTV Evidence Teams across our Wimbledon and Southampton offices."

"I’ve been in the Data Privacy Team for nearly a year and a half, and I’ve been working for SWR for three and a half years in total. I started as a Customer Service Assistant at Portsmouth and Southsea. Frontline work was tough and challenging, requiring resilience and confidence in high-pressure situations. Before joining SWR, I studied Psychology at the University of Birmingham and I graduated in 2022. I have always had a passion for people and doing the right thing, and that’s what drew me into data privacy."

"Working in a demanding role has taught me the importance of staying organised, setting boundaries, and switching off at the end of the day, supported by a great team. My journey shows that transferable skills and self-belief can open doors, and I would encourage other women to step outside their comfort zone and believe in what they are always capable of achieving."

Ellie Phelps

Assistant Head of Drivers

"I have been Assistant Head of Drivers since April 2025. Before this, I worked as a Driver Depot Manager, first in the Feltham area and then at Woking/Farnham."

"My current role focuses on helping to lead the driver function, with particular emphasis on culture change and engagement. I established a Talent Pool for drivers aspiring to become Driver Managers (DMs) and I am developing a similar pathway for DMs also seeking progression. I oversee internal functional communications, lead key projects, attend Drivers Company Council and Safety Improvement Group meetings. I support our internal functional governance structure, and I also spend quite a bit of time writing papers!"

"I have worked in the rail industry for 17 years, beginning at Network Rail as a Community Safety Manager. I later joined South Western Railway to lead the fatality mitigation programme, qualified as a Project Manager, and contributed to the 2017 Waterloo upgrade. I then spent two years at c2c, where I became a Driver Depot Manager. The commute to East Ham proved challenging, so I was pleased to return to SWR in 2020 to open the Feltham depot. Since returning, I have completed an MSc in Risk and Safety Leadership."

"I have two daughters, aged 10 and 14, and balancing family and career is a juggle requiring lots of organisation. I am passionate about supporting women into male-dominated roles and creating environments where people can thrive. I believe in staying true to my values, challenging behaviours that don’t align with them, and encouraging others to back themselves with confidence."

Amy Sullivan

CX Fleet Design & Lifecycle Manager

"I’m Amy Sullivan, CX Fleet Design & Lifecycle Manager at SWR, working within the Innovation arm of Customer Strategy. I’m responsible for creating customer-led specifications for our train fleets - ensuring every decision reflects the people who use our railway."

"I joined 15 years ago following a career as a pastry chef. While I thrived in the fast-paced environment, I wanted to be part of something bigger. Inspired by my dad’s move from a corporate role to Train Driver when I was growing up, I saw first-hand the pride, community and variety the rail industry offers. I vividly remember travelling in the cab when I was young, as he drove a newly introduced Desiro train, never imagining that I would be involved in shaping the fleet's future nearly 25 years later!"

"I started in a frontline role and progressed through station and project management before moving into senior traincrew leadership. Leading large, operational teams was both challenging and rewarding, and it gave me the confidence and perspective to step into more strategic roles within the company. "

"I am also a Mum to two young boys - my most important (and tiring) job of all! Juggling both worlds isn’t easy, but with the right support, I can be present for them whilst contributing to an industry that I love being a part of."

"If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that progression doesn’t have to follow a straight line. Get stuck in. Ask questions. Seize opportunity. If you’re passionate about the customer at the centre of it all and want to make a difference, there’s no limit to what you can achieve in rail."

Kehinde Solu

On Train Depot Manager

"My name is Kehinde Solu. On Train Service Depot Manager based at Waterloo and Deputy Head of On Train Service."

"My role involves leading/managing the largest On Train Service depot on our network with a team of over 260 people consisting of Guards Managers, Support Clerks, Metro and Commercial Guards. Whilst supporting the Head of On Train service in my Deputy role."

"I started on the railway about 18 years ago as a part-time ticket office clerk based at Richmond, before moving to Woking ticket office as a Team leader due to moving to Basingstoke with my family."

"I felt I needed to do something different and applied for a secondment as a Customer Service Trainer. That led to me having the opportunity of meeting and impacting a variety of people across the network. After two and a half years as a Customer Service Trainer, I took on a different challenge as a Waterloo Guards Manager in July 2015. And in January 2019 started my journey as a Depot Manager."

"As a Depot Manager it's a demanding role and have been able to manage my work life balance by learning to switch off at the appropriate time. Whilst planning plays a huge part of everyday life."

"The value I demonstrate always is Involving the right people at the right time."

"Over the years, I have learnt not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone to make a difference. One of my proud moments is when I lead my team to achieve "Excellent" in our Depot audit after achieving Satisfactory the year before.

Charlotte Connor

Movements Manager

"I’m Charlotte Connor, and I am currently a Movements Manager at Fratton Traincare Depot and have been for the last 8 months now. Previously I worked in SWR Recruitment specialising in Fleet & Engineering recruitment, and before that I was a HR Co-ordinator in Overline House. I studied Sociology, Politics and Economics at A-Level, and left college to go directly into a retail management position when I was 19."

"In my current role I work 5 days on 5 days off shift pattern which gives me lots of time to spend with my partner and my lovely cats on my days off. My family also work shifts so working shifts gives me more time to spend with them, which is what is most important to me. I am extremely lucky to have a great team around me at Fratton so when I finish my 5 days on, I truly get to switch off and relax for my 5 days off."

"The best advice I could give anyone when considering their career on the railway is to take every opportunity given to you. Any courses or learning you get offered, take them. If you get a chance to shadow or visit various places on the network, take that opportunity. These little things really add up and broaden your knowledge of the railway environment. I am so grateful for all the time various managers took across the network to show me their role and their sites which inspired me to take the shot and apply for my current role."

Introducing Gemma, Yasel and Sally, three of the drivers keeping our network moving every day.

This video celebrates the contribution of the women already excelling in the role while signalling a clear pathway for those considering a future as a Train Driver.

No previous rail experience is required - what matters is having the right mindset, a strong commitment to safety and service, and the ambition to build a fulfilling career with genuine long‑term progression.

World Engineering Day 2026

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:37:48 +0000

Today we’re celebrating World Engineering Day by recognising the brilliant engineers who keep South Western Railway moving every day. From maintaining our fleet to improving the reliability and safety of our network, their expertise and dedication make a real difference to everyone who travels with us

In this video, we highlight some of the essential work our engineering teams do behind the scenes to keep our railway running smoothly.

Find out more about our roles across the network

View our current vacancies

Introducing Depot Driver Mentors

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:31:11 +0000

Whilst Mainline Drivers are the ones that drive trains in passenger service, our Depot Drivers are responsible for moving units around our train care depots throughout the day and night and preparing trains for service ahead of the morning and evening peak. We’re now improving the way we train our Depot Drivers by introducing Depot Driver Mentors, who can train and coach them on the job.

Until now, once Depot Drivers had finished their initial training at the Operations Training School, a Mainline Driver Instructor would oversee their training at the depot. Given the instructors’ other responsibilities, this could take time to arrange.

Introducing Depot Driver Mentors helps ease any delays. As well as being able to help the trainees learn how to drive a train and couple and uncouple units, the Mentors also have a working knowledge of the depot, including using the radio and the more intricate moves like driving over maintenance pits or removing the middle unit out of a three-train formation.

Clapham Depot Driver Mentor and ASLEF rep, Scot MacFarlane has recently helped Dzolan Daniel qualify and become the first Depot Driver to be trained by a Mentor. Scot said: “There’s benefits for everyone. Dzolan was part of the team from the day he joined the depot, and throughout his training had more opportunities to practice train movements, so he’s ready to go from day one. It also benefits the Mainline Drivers as the Instructors can continue to prioritise their training, without slowing Depot Driver training.”

Operations Trainer Darren Rees said: “We’ve always been trying to improve the experience of Depot Drivers and the Depot Driver Mentor scheme has been something we’ve been working on for a long time. Throughout this process our communication between the Training School and our Depot Drivers has improved and going forward we’re looking at other improvements we can make too.”

500 daily Arterio services

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:35:12 +0000

With 39 diagrams now in operation, we are running an incredible 500 Arterio services each weekday. That means that around a third of all the services on our network are operated by an Arterio.

In March, Waterloo welcomed a special guest, Blue Brick Girl, who boarded a uniquely wrapped Arterio train created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of LEGOLAND Windsor. Arterios are the train of choice for visitors to LEGOLAND and, as the roll-out continues at pace, there will be even more Arterio services heading that way in the future.

Matt Pocock, Arterio Programme Director said: “It’s well known that bringing in a fleet of new trains takes a business-wide effort, requiring collaboration and careful co-ordination across teams such as Central Rostering Office, Ops Training, Ops Standards, Drivers, Guards and station teams. Some of the less visible contributions that have helped us towards this significant milestone in the rollout include the train planning and engineering teams.”

Train planning
David Earley, who has been the Rolling Stock Introduction Planning Manager for the last three years is responsible for the timetable introduction plan for the Arterios. He explained: “Introducing the Arterios is a complex train planning challenge that involves prioritising the locations where their increased capacity is most needed, while carefully balancing this with the training of Drivers and Guards. We work closely with the Rostering, Fleet, and Operations and Safety Training Centre (OSTC) teams to ensure we produce a workable timetable that aligns with our train and traincrew availability. Once we’ve completed the ten-car roll out, we’ll be moving onto the introduction of the five-car units, which will require additional work.”

Engineering
Each Arterio in service will head to Wimbledon Traincare Depot for scheduled maintenance every 30,000 miles and for any faults in the interim. Wimbledon Production Manager, Oliver Jeffery said “The way we work at Wimbledon has changed dramatically over recent years as we’ve been phasing out our legacy fleet of 455s and 458s and replacing them with the new modern Arterios. Half the trains leaving the depot each morning are now Arterios and this proportion is set to increase as the roll out continues."

“With so much technology on board, the trains themselves are very different to work on for the team. It’s like switching from an analogue to a digital world to the point where the trains tell you what’s wrong with them! This has meant an extensive training programme for the maintenance team who have done a great job getting to grips with the new trains. All SWR colleagues at the depot are now working on Arterios, putting to good use the skills they’ve learned.”