Thameslink to upgrade 60,000 seats after public takeover
New cushions and backrests will be fitted to all 115 trains, with tables added to 70 services.
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Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) plans to replace over 60,000 seats across its entire fleet of 115 trains. The operator, which came under public ownership in May 2026, announced the upgrades following passenger feedback about the comfort of existing seating. The work will involve fitting new seat cushions and backrests to all trains.
Timeline and additional improvements
CrossCountry cancels most trains after Birmingham power cut
Services across Great Britain are affected, with a near normal service expected only on one route.
The seat upgrade project is scheduled to commence in 2027 and is anticipated to take two years to complete. In addition to new cushions and backrests, 70 Thameslink trains that currently do not have them will be fitted with seat-back tables. First-class seating will also receive upgraded cushions as part of the initiative.
These improvements are part of broader enhancements planned for the Thameslink network following GTR's transition to public ownership. Other planned measures include an increase in Gatwick Express services starting in December and a programme to refurbish train toilets and remove graffiti from the fleet.
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.
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary
Thameslink services suspended after person struck by train
Rail operator reported significant disruption across its network following the incident.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that the upgrades aim to address passenger complaints about uncomfortable seating. She indicated that wider rail reforms would continue under the proposed Great British Railways organisation. John Whitehurst, chief executive of GTR, confirmed that customer feedback was instrumental in developing these plans, acknowledging that comfort is a significant factor for passengers.
Questions this report answers
+How many seats on Thameslink trains will be upgraded?
More than 60,000 seats across the entire fleet of 115 Thameslink trains will be upgraded. This includes new seat cushions and backrests for all services, and the installation of seat-back tables on 70 trains.
+When will the seat upgrades on Thameslink trains take place?
The work to upgrade the seats on Thameslink trains is expected to begin in 2027. The project is scheduled to take two years to complete.
+What prompted these seat upgrades on Thameslink trains?
The seat upgrades were prompted by passenger feedback regarding the comfort of the existing seating, which had been described by some passengers as uncomfortable. GTR stated that customer input was key to shaping these improvement plans.
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