The early 3 car 375s were used on Coastway diagrams, in particular 313-322 were dedicated to this as they are standard class only. However the 2+2 seating is much appreciated by regular travellers on this route. From late March 2003 fast London-Brighton services went over to 12 car formations of 3 car 375s, particularly using 323-338 which have "1st" accommodation. From the autumn of that year most Brighton main line services were being worked by 375s due to difficulty manoeuvring a catering trolley in3+2 pattern 377s. The Electrostars have not necessarily proved popular with South Central travellers who do not find them particularly comfortable. Their interiors are narrower than the Mk1 EMUs they replace and this is aggravated where there is 3+2 seating. The hunt for the relatively more comfortable wide 2+2 seating in parts of the 377/1 units has turned some regular travellers, who were not already so, into train spotters. The formula is follows:
On units 377101-119 there is 2+2 seating throughout.
On units 377120-140 the 2+2 seating is in the outer end portions of each car with 3+2 seating in the centre portions of each car.
On units 377141-164 the 2+2 seating is in the driving cars. There is also 2+2 seating in the outer ends of the intermediate cars, which are otherwise 3+2, however this uses seats as narrow as those in the 3+2 section (albeit with a slight spacer in between effectively increasing the width a fraction). Note that leg spacing is slightly more generous in the outer portions of each car than in the central sections. It appears this latter formula also follows for the dual voltage (377201-215) units.
The seating plan for the 377/4 units is not currently known.

Selective door opening tests on South Central commenced on 24 March 2003. Test trips using dual voltage units between Victoria, Kensington Olympia and North Pole Junction. commenced in November 2003 followed by some workings between Euston and Watford in February 2004.

photograph by Colin Duff

photograph by Colin Duff

photograph by Paul Ferbrache

photograph by Colin Duff