If you need a morning jolt of caffeine to fuel your commute make sure you buy a coffee on the platform – all onboard catering will be scrapped on Kent train services from the end of October.

Southeastern has decided not to renew the contract with catering firm Rail Gourmet because providing an onboard trolley service is ‘no longer commercially sustainable.’

It is believed the move could put about 30 jobs at risk, although Southeastern said it was looking at opportunities it could offer Rail Gourmet staff.

Southeastern’s longest journey - barring delays - is the Ramsgate to London service which takes just under two hours.

Charles King, south east spokesman for passenger group Rail Future, thinks travellers should expect on-board refreshments for longer journeys.

He said: “It’s a long way down to deepest darkest Kent. I think it’s reasonable that facilities are provided for any journey over an hour, at least for part of the way.”

The contract with Rail Gourmet is up for renewal at the end of October and after it runs out, no refreshments of any kind will be available onboard trains.

Southeastern has said it will keep a supply of water onboard for emergencies.

The rail operator was granted a direct franchise by the Department for Transport on September 11, extending its contract until June 2018.

Like many rail operators, Southeastern rents space on its stations to shops and café firms, which brings in extra revenue.

The firm would not divulge how much it will save by scrapping onboard trolley services, but Passenger Focus, a rail travellers’ lobby group, stressed the money should not go towards the company’s bottom line.

Linda McCord, Passenger Focus manager, said: “It is important that the money Southeastern saves by scrapping on-board catering is invested in improving its services.

“Passengers who do like to buy a tea or coffee on the train will be disappointed by this decision.”

Southeastern has defended the move saying most stations now have businesses providing refreshments to commuters on the platform, making on-board catering unnecessary.

A spokesman said: “It used to be only larger stations that had platform kiosks and cafes but now even the smaller ones normally offer a place where you can get freshly brewed coffee.

“Why are you going to get instant on the train when you can buy freshly brewed coffee on the platform?”

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