Thameslink to Replace 'Ironing Board' Train Seats

Key Takeaways

• Over 60,000 seats across 115 Thameslink trains will receive new cushions and backrests.
• The seat upgrade project is scheduled to begin in 2027 and take two years.
• Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced the changes under the Great British Railways initiative.
• The Class 700 fleet was originally procured in 2013 for £1.6 billion from Siemens.
• Additional upgrades include increased Gatwick Express services, toilet refurbishments, and graffiti removal.

Thameslink Promises Comfier Journeys with Major Seat Upgrades

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced that over 60,000 uncomfortable train seats across 115 Thameslink trains will finally be upgraded. Commuters have long criticized the thin, rigid seats, commonly dubbed "ironing boards" since their introduction.

According to BBC News, the overhaul will replace the existing hard seating with softer cushions and redesigned backrests. The two-year refit program is scheduled to start in 2027 as part of the broader transition toward Great British Railways.

Background on the £1.6 Billion Fleet Procurement

The Class 700 fleet was manufactured by Siemens following a £1.6 billion government contract awarded in 2013. Rolled out between 2016 and 2019, the trains were built to specific Department for Transport (DfT) requirements prioritizing high passenger capacity and reduced overall weight.

Despite warnings regarding passenger discomfort during procurement, the lightweight seat design was chosen to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers per train and streamline passenger flow.

Broader Improvements Planned for the Network

The seat modifications are part of a wider series of enhancements following Greater Thameslink Railway coming into public control in May 2026.

Additional planned network upgrades include:

• Increased service frequency on the Gatwick Express starting December.
• Comprehensive refurbishment of onboard train toilets.
• Network-wide graffiti removal programs across the entire fleet.

Government officials state that these measures represent practical steps toward modernizing public ownership across Britain's busiest rail routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Thameslink train seats called 'ironing board' seats?

Passengers nicknamed them 'ironing boards' due to their notoriously thin, hard, and uncomfortable design tailored for weight reduction.

When will Thameslink replace the uncomfortable seats?

The seat replacement program is set to begin in 2027 and will take approximately two years to complete.

How many Thameslink trains are getting upgraded seats?

Over 60,000 seats across all 115 Thameslink Class 700 trains will be upgraded with extra cushioning.