Train's final tour completely sold out within 15 seconds

Tickets for a special farewell journey marking the retirement of commuter trains in Surrey were snapped up in a remarkable 15 seconds, according to South Western Railway (SWR).

The event, scheduled for 21 December, will honor SWR's Class 455 trains, which have been operating at key stations across Berkshire, South West London, and Surrey since 1983. Over 9,000 people attempted to secure one of only 400 available seats on the commemorative charter, which will stop at locations including Epsom and Haslemere.

Due to the overwhelming response, SWR, together with the Branch Line Society, announced a second train to accommodate additional enthusiasts. Lawrence Bowman, managing director of SWR and Network Rail Wessex Route, expressed astonishment at the interest shown. A limited number of tickets for the second journey went on sale on Tuesday and were expected to sell out quickly.

The funds raised from the farewell tour will be donated to Macmillan, The Alex Wardle Foundation, and Railway Children. Tickets for the event were priced at 45.50.

The Class 455 trains are set to be retired by the end of 2025 as SWR introduces its new Arterio fleet. Seventy Class 455 units were originally built by British Rail Engineering Ltd and began service on suburban routes in March 1983.

The first farewell train will depart at 09:32 GMT, followed by the second at 10:35 GMT.

Author: Grace Ellison