'Ironing board' seats to be replaced on Thameslink
Greater Thameslink Railway says these upgrades are part of the wider renationalisation plans.
Thameslink's 115 trains are slated to receive new seat cushions and backrests, according to Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). This initiative will see over 60,000 seats upgraded, less than 100 days after GTR transitioned to public ownership.
The current seating, frequently referred to by passengers as "ironing boards" due to their perceived discomfort, will be replaced. The refurbishment project is scheduled to commence in 2027 and is expected to span two years.
GTR also stated that first-class seating will benefit from enhanced cushions, and seat-back tables will be installed on the 70 trains currently lacking them.
These seat improvements are part of a broader set of enhancements planned for the Thameslink network since GTR became publicly owned in May 2026. Other planned measures include an increase in Gatwick Express services starting in December, as well as a program to renovate train toilets and eliminate graffiti throughout the fleet.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented on the changes, stating, "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." Alexander further noted that broader rail reforms would continue under the proposed Great British Railways organization, which is intended to oversee rail services across England.
John Whitehurst, GTR's chief executive, emphasized the role of passenger feedback in developing these plans. He remarked, "Our customers told us that comfort matters, which was why we'd been working on plans to improve seating on Thameslink services."
Thameslink provides services throughout the South East, covering regions such as Sussex, Surrey, and parts of Kent.