Overview
- The DfT has announced a programme to replace over 60,000 standard-class seat base cushions across all 115 Thameslink trains and to fit missing seat-back tables on 70 units.
- Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the work will begin in 2027 and run for two years as part of early changes under the Great British Railways programme.
- First-class seat bases will receive upgraded cushions while their backrest design will be retained, and standard-class carriages will get improved backrests based on customer research.
- The government presents the works as a tangible benefit of recent public takeover of Govia Thameslink Railway but critics note the DfT procured the fleet about a decade ago and paid roughly £1.6 billion for it.
- Passengers should see firmer comfort on busy commuter routes once fits start and the wider issues to watch are timely delivery, measurable improvements in everyday comfort, and whether further upgrades follow under Great British Railways.