The ‘ironing board’ seats which were installed on Thameslink’s Class 700 fleet more than ten years ago are reaching the end of their lives, after years of criticism by uncomfortable passengers.

The seats, which were specified by the Department for Transport along with the rest of the trains, have given commuters a rigid welcome, but now new, more yielding seats have been unveiled by Greater Thameslink Railway, which became publicly-owned at the end of May.

Siemens Mobility will be upgrading the standard class seat cushions on all 115 trains in the fleet from next year.

The new cushions have been agreed as part of an existing contract between the operator and Siemens, meaning the upgrades come at no additional cost to taxpayers.

Over 60,000 new spring and memory foam cushions will be introduced from next year, with improved winged backrests.

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.

‘From next year, 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.’

The new design was developed following extensive passenger feedback, and offers up to 57 per cent more ‘give’ than the current seat cushion, with new 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. 

Greater Thameslink Railway CEO John Whitehurst 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.’

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