Thameslink to replace 60,000 seats following public takeover

Thameslink Govia Thameslink Railway railway upgrades public ownership passenger comfort

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has announced plans to replace more than 60,000 seat cushions on Thameslink trains to address long-standing passenger complaints regarding uncomfortable seating. The upgrades, which target the much-criticized seats often referred to by commuters as ‘ironing boards’, are expected to begin in 2027 and will be rolled out over a two-year period.

The improvement program includes upgrading seat cushions and backrests across all 115 Thameslink trains. First-class seating will receive improved seat base cushions while maintaining current backrest designs. Additionally, seat-back tables will be installed on 70 trains that currently lack them.

These changes follow GTR’s transition into public ownership in May 2026. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander noted that the upgrades represent the tangible benefits of public control. Other planned improvements for the network include increased Gatwick Express services starting in December and a fleet-wide initiative to refurbish toilet facilities and remove graffiti.

Entities

Gatwick Express · Govia Thameslink Railway · Great British Railways · Heidi Alexander · Thameslink

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] GTR plans to increase Gatwick Express services in December. www.elystandard.co.uk · www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk · www.bbc.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] A fleet-wide program is underway to refurbish train toilets and remove graffiti. www.elystandard.co.uk · www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk · www.bbc.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated the upgrades demonstrate the impact of public ownership. www.elystandard.co.uk · www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk · www.bbc.co.uk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The seat upgrade program is expected to begin in 2027 and last for two years. www.bbc.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] GTR will replace more than 60,000 seat base cushions on Thameslink trains. www.elystandard.co.uk · www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk · www.bbc.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] Seat-back tables will be installed on 70 trains that currently lack them. www.elystandard.co.uk · www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk · www.bbc.co.uk

Sources

Thameslink's notorious 'ironing-board' seats set to be replaced [www.elystandard.co.uk]

17 days ago

Thameslink's notorious 'ironing-board' seats set to be replaced [www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk]

17 days ago

Thameslink to replace over 60,000 'ironing board' train seats [www.bbc.co.uk]

17 days ago

Bedford’s Thameslink trains to lose ‘ironing board’ seats as part of railway renationalisation [www.bedfordindependent.co.uk]

16 days ago