Thameslink fleet refresh work has begun under a £3.6 million programme expected to improve the passenger experience on board its trains.

Thameslink fleet refresh starts £3.6m work
Photo: Thameslink

Thameslink fleet refresh scope

The programme covers 1,140 carriages⁠, with work including the polishing of 46km of train exteriors. Toilets will also be repainted, while new vinyl coverings will be fitted to interior walls to help discourage graffiti.

Every onboard area will also receive a deep steam-clean at the Sussex depot in Three Bridges.

The Class 700 polishing project and toilet refresh are being funded by the Department for Transport and Greater Thameslink Railway. Siemens is helping deliver the programme.

Public ownership and passenger improvements

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:

“These improvements show how passengers are being prioritised under public ownership and, as we move towards Great British Railways, making sure that travelling by train is a comfortable and positive experience.”

“This refresh on Thameslink services is just the start. Under public ownership, passengers not shareholders will be prioritised to deliver a safer, cleaner and more reliable railway.”

The fleet refresh forms part of a passenger-driven improvement plan now underway at the UK’s largest train operating company, following its transfer to public ownership on 31 May⁠.

The Thameslink refresh is taking place shortly after all GTR services — Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express — moved into public ownership under DfT Operator Ltd on 31 May 2026. GTR has said that services continue to operate as normal after the transfer, with tickets still valid and timetables and routes unchanged. The Department for Transport has also linked the move to passenger-centred improvements, including the recruitment of more drivers to reduce cancellations.

Further measures planned as part of the move towards Great British Railways include hiring more drivers, making services safer, upgrading signalling, and improving customer communication.