Over the next year, more than 60,000 seats likened to ‘ironing boards’ will be replaced with more comfortable alternatives on Thameslink trains.
Thousands of standard seats on 115 Thameslink trains will have their seat cushions replaced, along with improved seat backs.
Meanwhile, premium seats will retain their existing backrest design. However, their basic pillows will be gradually upgraded over the next two years.
Plans will see seat-back tables installed on the 70 Thameslink trains not currently equipped with them, the Department for Transport (DfT) said.
Thameslink is owned by Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR), which was put into public ownership at the end of May.
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander said: ‘This is what public ownership looks like in practice.
More than 60,000 seats likened to ‘ironing boards’ will be replaced with more comfortable alternatives on Thameslink trains over the coming year (file image)
Thousands of standard seats on 115 Thameslink trains will have their seat cushions replaced, along with improved seat backs
“Less than 100 days after GTR came under public scrutiny, we are delivering the improvements commuters have been demanding.
‘From next year we will start getting rid of the dreaded ironing board seats, so passengers can enjoy more comfortable and enjoyable journeys on some of Britain’s busiest commuter routes.
‘We know that repairing Britain’s railway is more than a renovation job, and steps like this are just the start of getting our railway back on track.
‘We have frozen fares for the first time in thirty years and public operators have added 76,000 extra seats to the network.
‘Once established, Great British Railways will focus relentlessly on delivering a reliable, modern service that puts the passenger experience at the heart of everything it does.’
Thameslink operates busy commuter routes traveling through central London and also serves stations such as London St Pancras, Brighton, Cambridge and Sevenoaks.
John Whitehurst, CEO of GTR, said: ‘Our customers tell us comfort is important. That’s why we’ve been working on plans to improve seating on Thameslink services and give a better experience to the millions of people who use our extensive network.
‘Through customer research among daily commuters, we have gathered valuable insights to help us shape the best possible solution for cushion comfort on board our high-capacity trains. We are pleased that we can continue with the plans and realize the long-awaited improvements.’
