South West Trains’ Station Pride winners announced

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Staff at South West Trains’ stations are celebrating after the winners of the company’s annual Station Pride Awards were announced.

Now in their 14th year, the awards look to recognise the best of the company’s 177 stations.

The judging panel for this year included British Transport Police Superintendent Alistair Lawson, South West Trains Ticket Clerk Alan Hopgood MBE, Customer Service Director Jake Kelly, Area Manager Lisa Basham, and Laura Briden from the station support team.

This year, the competition was the most hotly contested ever with a record number of entries.

Portsmouth Harbour was finally awarded the top prize for Best Large Station 2011.

The judges were particularly impressed with the positive attitude of the station staff and a range of creative initiatives to welcome passengers and deliver the best possible customer service.

The judges said: “We were impressed by the attitude of the South West Trains team at Portsmouth Harbour; they have come up with some great ideas such as setting up a passenger information point and improving security walks.

“They also won a teamwork award for their efforts in smooth train running during the difficult weather conditions experienced during December.

“Passenger information has also been improved thanks to a joint initiative with the Council to inform tourists on integrated transport links from the station by bus or through the connection with the Isle of Wight, making it easier for passengers to easily find connections for their onward journeys.”

Wool station was awarded the top prize for Best Small Station 2011.

The judges were particularly impressed with the positive attitude of the station staff and a range of creative initiatives to welcome passengers and deliver the best possible customer service.

The station is kept immaculate with the help of the Friends of Wool Station.

The station team has linked with a local school in the village, St Mary’s Catholic First school, who have created a mural which is displayed in the ticket hall.

The team has established close relationships with the local military, Dorset Police HQ and Winfrith Technology Centre.

The judges said: “Wool station is neat, tidy, well maintained and has nice personal touches including a sign on the toilet showing directions to the nearest local toilet should this one be closed. For a small station, Wool has everything! Impressed!”

Jake Kelly, Customer Service Director for South West Trains, added:

“These awards recognise the hard work and dedication of our staff. With a record number of outstanding entries competing for the title, we eventually selected Wool to win the Best Small station of the Year Award.

“For many passengers travelling with us, the station is their first contact with South West Trains so it’s absolutely crucial that they start their journey with a positive impression.”

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