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Thameslink train seats nicknamed 'ironing boards' to be replaced starting in 2027

Greater Thameslink Railway announced seating and fleet upgrades across its 115-train network following its return to public ownership.

Updated Aug 26, 2026 · 09:23 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Greater Thameslink Railway plans to replace seat cushions and backrests across its entire fleet of 115 trains starting in 2027.
  • The two-year refurbishment project follows the operator entering public ownership in May 2026.
  • The upgrades will also add seat-back tables to 70 trains, upgrade first-class cushions, and increase Gatwick Express services in December.

Key facts

  • Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) announced plans to upgrade more than 60,000 passenger seats across all 115 Thameslink trains.[BBC News]
  • The seat overhaul project is scheduled to begin in 2027 and is expected to take two years to complete.[BBC News]
  • GTR transitioned into public ownership in May 2026, preceding the announcement.[BBC News]
  • The fleet updates include adding seat-back tables to 70 trains, upgrading first-class seat cushions, refurbishing train toilets, removing graffiti, and increasing Gatwick Express services starting in December.[BBC News]

Sources