Network Rail will switch its screen back on as part of a trial to provide clearer and more visible travel updates for passengers.
As part of Network Rail’s five-point plan to improve the passenger experience at London Euston, rail engineers will begin tests on Wednesday evening (11 December) to display live travel information on the large screen where the station’s departure boards used to be.
The former advertisement board will give passengers live updates about their train services.
The improvements are being made in response to feedback from passengers wanting to see a return of a large focal point on the concourse for travel information.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “I’m pleased to see Network Rail taking action and making progress on its five-point plan to alleviate some of the issues faced at Euston – particularly at this time of year, when the festive period brings an increase in passengers.
“We’ve been clear the station simply hasn’t been good enough for customers, and that’s why we recently tasked Network Rail with making immediate improvements to address crowding and give passengers the experience they deserve.”
Gary Walsh, Network Rail’s West Coast South route director, said: “After listening to our passengers, we’re pleased to launch a trial to display travel information on Euston station’s large screen this week. Our five-point plan is all about making quick and effective improvements to make journeys smoother for everyone and we’re really pleased to be able to deliver this in time for the busy festive travel period.”
“While initial testing starts on Wednesday evening this week, we’re urging passengers to continue to use the screens in the middle of the concourse for accurate travel information. We’ll let passengers know when the large screen is fully up and running, which we expect to be from next week.”
Following a review of its use, when the screen was switched off in October, the trial will see a large section of the display repurposed to help passengers on their journeys from Euston station.
Testing of the screen will take place from the evening of Wednesday 11 December, with plans to fully activate the screen from next week. During the testing phase of the screen, passengers are advised to continue to refer to the screens in the middle of the concourse for accurate travel information. Messaging about the testing will also be displayed in the station to keep passengers fully informed.
The trial of using the advertising screen for customer information builds on the success of other initiatives introduced as part of Network Rail’s five-point plan, including the earlier boarding of Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway trains.
When surveyed by Network Rail staff, the response from passengers who’ve been able to board trains earlier has been positive, with many people expressing an improvement to their travel experience. By allowing passengers to board at a more relaxed pace, early boarding has created a calmer station environment, especially during peak times.
Passengers travelling to and from London Euston over the festive period have been advised the station will be extremely busy this year due to engineering work affecting other major routes into London*. For a smoother journey, passengers travelling to or from London Euston on the West Coast Main Line, are advised to travel before Tuesday 24 December or after Thursday 2 January.
For more information about travelling to and from London Euston station this Christmas, passengers can visit www.networkrail.co.uk/wcml
Image credit: Network Rail
