Thameslink planned to upgrade standard class seat cushions across all 115 trains in its fleet from 2027, according to a Department for Transport press release published on 10 September 2026. The release said over 60,000 new spring and memory foam cushions would be rolled out with improved winged backrests, replacing the seats that drew the "ironing-board" nickname.

The department said the cushions were agreed under a pre-existing contract between operator GTR and Siemens Mobility, so the upgrades would come at no additional cost to taxpayers. Installation was to begin in 2027 and be phased over two years to avoid disrupting services, as part of an 11-year fleet overhaul with Siemens. First class seats were to get the same improved cushions, and seat-back tables were to be added to the 69 trains that lacked them. The release said the new design offered up to 57% more "give".

The announcement marked 100 days since GTR's services moved into public ownership in May 2026. The release also cited a planned timetable increase, with double the hourly Gatwick Express services from December 2026.