Thameslink Line: Rolling Stock
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the completion schedule is for the deep cleaning, minor repairs, and toilet resurfacing across all 115 Class 700 units on Thameslink: and what anti-graffiti measures are being introduced during this refresh.
Answered by Keir Mather
On 31 May 2026, the Thameslink Service transferred into public ownership to deliver more reliable, passenger-centred services across the network. As part of a programme of planned improvements, the train operator is wrapping Thameslink train toilets with a tough protective film to deter graffiti and reduce cleaning times and costs. It expects half the fleet of Class 700s to be fitted by the end of this year with full completion anticipated by the end of 2027.
The operator is also carrying out a programme of enhanced internal cleaning across the Thameslink fleet, with all unit interiors scheduled for completion by August and external cleaning of all exterior paintwork due to be completed by October 2026.
The train operator is also taking a range of wider anti-graffiti initiatives including trialling rapid detection technology and enhancing collaboration with Transport for London and the British Transport Police to improve intelligence gathering and support enforcement action.
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