Couch-Style Seating for UK Stock

[Sorcerer]

Having watched a few trip report videos on the new Austrian Railjet coaches, I noticed that the seats weren't typical single train seats but rather seats laid out in the style of a small couch with an adjustable and foldable armrest between. I don't quite know what these styles of seats are called, but I did a few print screens of them on the PriestmanGoode website. If you can't see the pictures and/or the link doesn't work, just type "PriestmanGoode Railjet" onto Google and the first result should be "OBB Austrian Federal Railways" that should take you to the page. Anyway, pictures below to give you an idea of what sort of seats I'm talking about.



So now you know what I'm getting it, the discussion I want to start is whether or these type of seats could be suitable for use on rolling stock adapted for the more restrictive British loading gauge? I feel like these kind of seats could provide a bit more space since the gap between them is non-existent, and if they could be implemented on the UK network, does that necessarily mean that they should? I like the design and look of these seats, but I've never actually used them so I can't say whether they'd be worth it. I look forward to hearing all your thoughts in this discussion.

 

[Bletchleyite]

The seating on Meridians is not dissimilar, and I find it very claustrophobic due to the lack of gap between. Not a fan.

 

[Neptune]

The seating on Meridians is not dissimilar, and I find it very claustrophobic due to the lack of gap between. Not a fan.

Agree completely. I prefer airline style seats but hate the Meridians on the few occasions I’ve been on one for this very reason. Very claustrophobic.

 

[renegademaster]

Remind of a modernised version of those boxy mark 1 seats. They don't look especially spacious even in the renderings, would be worse on a British gauge train and can already feel the armrest digging into me

 

[Energy]

The extra space is great, being so closer to the other passenger may not be so great.

 

[Sorcerer]

I just had a look on Google of images of the Meridian interior, and the seats don't particularly look as pleasant as the Austrian Raijet ones do. However, seeing as the Meridian is part of the Voyager family does sharing the same tapered bodyshell design play a part in the cramped feeling or is it truly just the poor seat design?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I just had a look on Google of images of the Meridian interior, and the seats don't particularly look as pleasant as the Austrian Raijet ones do. However, seeing as the Meridian is part of the Voyager family does sharing the same tapered bodyshell design play a part in the cramped feeling or is it truly just the poor seat design?

A bit of both. I don't find other Voyagers as claustrophobic because there's a gap between the seats you can see through.

 

[dosxuk]

Just to put the other perspective in this thread, I particularly like the cosyness, peacefulness and privacy that you get from the Meridian seating. They're by far my favourite seats on the UK network, at least when they were better maintained.

 

[greyman42]

Remind of a modernised version of those boxy mark 1 seats. They don't look especially spacious even in the renderings, would be worse on a British gauge train and can already feel the armrest digging into me

Armrests are a godsend. Without them you get fat overweight passengers encroaching onto your seat.

 

[dk1]

They're by far my favourite seats on the UK network, at least when they were better maintained.

They have been refreshed with new upholstery.