Thameslink to Replace 'Ironing Board' Train Seats
BBC News reports that Hidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, has announced plans to replace over 60,000 seats on all 115 Thameslink trains with new cushions and backrests. This comes more than a decade after the UK government invested £1.6 billion in building the fleet.
Seat Upgrades as Part of Greater Thameslink Railway's Refurbishment Plan
The project, set to begin in 2027 and last two years, is part of wider improvements for the Thameslink network since it came into public ownership in May 2026. Other enhancements include an increase in Gatwick Express services and a program to refurbish train toilets and remove graffiti.
Alexander stated:
"We'll start getting rid of the dreaded 'ironing board seats' so passengers can enjoy comfier, more pleasant journeys on some of Britain's busiest commuter routes."
Historical Context and Criticisms
The class-700 Thameslink trains were initially praised by the Department for Transport (DfT) as "state-of-the-art" and a "fantastic deal" for taxpayers. The DfT spent £1.6 billion on German manufacturer Siemens to build the trains in 2013, following a bidding process that began in 2008.
However, critics argue that the DfT's emphasis on maximizing capacity and standing space led to seats with minimal cushioning. A panel of experts from Railfuture, a UK rail passenger campaign group, noted in 2014 that the prototype seats were "very hard" and predicted passenger complaints.
Future Rail Reforms
The seat upgrades are part of the planned Great British Railways organization, which will oversee rail services across England, reflecting broader rail reforms.