Siemens Mobility UK&I CEO Aglaja Schneider and GTR, which operates Thameslink, CEO John Whitehurst trying the new seats at London Bridge
Press release —
More comfortable commutes ahead: rail reform spells end of the 'ironing-board' seat era on Thameslink trains
The Department for Transport today issued the following press release which we have shared with additional images.
Download B-roll and pictures below
- Millions of Thameslink passengers to benefit from more comfortable journeys with upgrade to over 60,000 seats on one of the UK’s biggest train fleets
- Part of the Government's drive to improve journeys for passengers ahead of the introduction of Great British Railways
- Overhaul marks 100 days since GTR’s transition into public ownership and follows improvements including fleet clean up and more regular Gatwick Express services
Millions of Thameslink passengers are set to get a more comfortable commute as publicly owned operator GTR partners with Siemens Mobility to upgrade standard class seat cushions across all 115 trains in its fleet from next year.
Over 60,000 new spring and memory foam cushions will be rolled out from next year alongside improved winged backrests, replacing the notorious 'ironing-board' seats that have long frustrated commuters on one of Britain's busiest rail routes.
The investment is one of many passenger improvements GTR is bringing in since the operator transferred into public ownership in May. Over £3.6million is being invested in the fleet to revamp exteriors, alongside refreshing onboard facilities including toilets, with new wall vinyls installed to deter graffiti and anti-social behaviour.
Since coming into public ownership, GTR has refreshed just under half of exteriors on its full fleet and nearly 300 train toilet interiors. The timetable is also being boosted and from December double the number of Gatwick Express services will run every hour.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said:
"Just 100 days since GTR's services transferred into public control, we're delivering the improvements commuters have been asking for - this is what public ownership looks like in action.
"We know fixing Britain's railway is more than a refurb job. We've frozen fares for the first time in 30 years and publicly owned operators have added 76,000 extra seats onto the network. Great British Railways will focus relentlessly on delivering a reliable, modern service that puts a better experience at the heart of everything it does for passengers."
Passengers can try the new seat for themselves at London Bridge station this week (Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September) where it is on display in the station’s concourse.
The new design, developed following extensive passenger feedback, offers up to 57% more ‘give’ than the current seat cushion, with new "wing" backrests for better shoulder and head support. First class seats get the same improved cushions, and seat-back tables are being added to the 69 trains that lack them.
John Whitehurst, CEO of GTR, which operates Thameslink, said:
"Today is a brilliant milestone for GTR and our customers. Just 100 days since coming into public ownership, we're showing how listening to passengers can deliver real, practical improvements.
"I'm delighted that passengers have helped us shape this new Thameslink seat cushion and backrest. By testing comfort options with the people who use our trains every day, we've chosen a cushion that will make journeys more comfortable across our network.
"I'm really pleased for our customers and look forward to seeing the new seats come on board from 2027.”
Aglaja Schneider, Joint CEO and Managing Director, Rolling Stock and Customer Services at Siemens Mobility UK&I, said:
"This project is about more than refurbishment. It is about listening to passengers and making tangible upgrades that enhance comfort on one of Britain's busiest rail networks. By introducing upgraded seat cushions, redesigned backrests and new seat back tables across the Class 700 fleet, we are improving the experience of the millions of people who rely on Thameslink services every year.
“I’m proud of our Siemens Mobility teams who maintain this fleet and keep passengers moving every day. This investment reflects our commitment to a modern railway focused on the passenger, and we look forward to seeing these enhancements make a real difference to journeys across the network."
Installation of the new cushions and tables begins in 2027 and will be phased over two years to avoid disrupting services, as part of an 11-year fleet overhaul delivered with Siemens.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- The new standard class seat cushion includes a slightly deeper seat base, a revised cushioning system incorporating pocket springs, Viscoelastic (memory) foam and a softer fire barrier, and a backrest with wings offering enhanced shoulder and head support.
- The redesigned cushion exceeds the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) GMGN 2696 Seat Comfort Testing standard, achieving 41% compression under a 500N load and 63% under a 1100N load, compared with 30% and 40% for the existing standard class seat – a 36-57% improvement.
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For more information, contact the press office on 0203 750 2031.
GTR
GTR operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services as follows:
- Thameslink – cross-London services between Bedford/Peterborough/Cambridge and Brighton/Horsham/East Grinstead, and between Luton/St Albans and Sutton/Wimbledon/Rainham; plus services between London and Sevenoaks
- Great Northern – services between London and Welwyn, Hertford, Peterborough, Cambridge and King’s Lynn
- Southern – services between London and the Sussex coast (Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne, Bognor Regis, Hastings) and parts of Surrey, Kent and Hampshire (Ashford International, Southampton, Portsmouth)
- Gatwick Express – fast, non-stop direct services between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria
www.southernrailway.com, www.thameslinkrailway.com, www.gatwickexpress.com, www.greatnorthernrail.com
