Train operating company (TOC), Greater Anglia, has asked passengers for their views and has also hired an expert in train seat design.
The expert has helped the TOC to find the best seats available for the new trains and has also advised them on changes to how they are made to make them more comfortable.
Andrew Shoenemann, of Schoenemann Design, has 30+ years experience designing trains and has previously worked with Greater Anglia on the popular refurbishment on the Intercity trains a few years ago.
Greater Anglia has chosen the FISA ‘LEAN' seat for the new Stadler trains – which will run from Norwich to London, Stansted Express and on regional routes. They have also made adjustments to the shape of the base cushions, lumbar support and headrests ensure maximum comfort.
For the Bombardier trains, which will run on routes from Southend, Colchester, Clacton and Cambridge, the TOC has opted to choose the Kiel seat, which features the unique S shape for the seat back.
Other features of the new seats include seat-back tables with special grooves to support portable devices, tablets and laptops and a plug and USB charging point at every seat.
What did the officials say?
Andrew Shoenemann commented:
“We were presented with a range of seats to look at and we were able to find the best seat to fit the environment for our new trains and for the passengers.
“We're very lucky to have been able to work with the seat manufacturer and develop his standard product further.”
Jason Brandon, Brand Manager for Greater Anglia, said:
“We're very aware of the problems that there have been in other parts of the country with seats on new trains and this is why we really listened to customers' feedback and really wanted to avoid any mis-shaped seats or too hard a seat.
“We've heard the feedback from customers, we've listened, and we care about them being as comfortable as possible so we've selected a seat which is far more comfortable for customers.”
“We're looking forward to transforming the railway in East Anglia, with brand new state-of-the-art trains with more seats, faster journey times and more frequent services.
“Everything we're doing is aimed at making customers lives a little easier.”
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The new seats on the Greater Anglia train i caught on 7th May were iron hard set in a prison grey environment – truly dreadful.
How could any manager consider these were an improvement when there is no padding on the seats at all. The journey was only bearable because luckily there were older style carriages too and I moved down the train to access the seats there.
I wouldn’t mind if the seats are to be comfortable. I can’t wait to see these trains coming in the next few years.
Also if Greater Anglia are going to replace the older rolling stocks that the new trains are replacing them. Why can’t Greater Anglia keep the 30 Class 379’s Electrostars and use them on certain branch lines in Essex including Wickford-Southminster, Colchester-Colchester Town, Colchester-Walton-on-the-Naze, Manningtree-Harwich Town and also use the rest of the Class 379’s on peak time rush hour services such as Liverpool St-Braintree, Southend Victoria, Colchester, Colchester Town, Liverpool St-Hertford East and Stratford-Hertford East & Bishop’s Stortford services during rush hour.
Because the Class 379’s that are built by Bombardier in 2010 are very good reliable trains and are useful for operating on some busier commuter services during peak times. Whilst the other trains that are to be replaced by the new trains will go elsewhere.