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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Guardian readers

Southeastern commuters: would scrapping first class improve things?

A Southeastern train passes through Great Chart in Kent. Forward facing seating could also be removed.
A Southeastern train passes through Great Chart in Kent. Forward facing seating could also be removed. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

First class carriages on commuter rail carriages into London could be scrapped under new Department of Transport plans for the next Southeastern rail franchise.

Trains could also be refurbished in “metro style” – removing traditional seating in favour of sideways-facing seats and more standing space. The move is seen as a potentially cheaper option than lengthening trains, which would require major infrastructure work at stations.

We would like to hear from commuters about their experiences with the service.

Share your views

Would removing first class carriages on your regular service improve the offering? If seating is changed to sideways facing, would you be happy? What changes would you like to see, specifically to trains and station infrastructure but also more broadly?

Share your views in the form below and we’ll use some of the most interesting as part of our coverage.

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