'Ironing board' seats to be replaced on Thameslink

More than 60,000 seats on Thameslink trains are set to be upgraded as part of plans announced by Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR), less than 100 days after it came under public ownership.

All 115 Thameslink trains will get new seat cushions and backrests, replacing the much-criticised seats dubbed "ironing boards" by passengers.

The work is expected to begin in 2027 and take place over a two-year period.

First-class seats would also receive upgraded seat cushions, while seat-back tables would be installed on the 70 trains that do not currently have them, GTR added.

The seat upgrades are part of wider improvements planned for the Thameslink network after GTR came into public ownership in May 2026 .

Other measures included an increase in Gatwick Express services from December and a programme to refurbish train toilets and remove graffiti across the fleet.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "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 said wider rail reforms would continue under the planned Great British Railways organisation, which is intended to oversee rail services across England.