Network Rail and the Department for Transport (DfT) have today announced a five-point plan aimed at improving the passenger experience at London Euston station while it undergoes longer-term design changes.
Recognising the urgent need for improvements, the Transport Secretary tasked Network Rail and relevant train operators to review the station’s daily operations and implement immediate solutions.
The initial five-point plan includes:
- Reviewing passenger information provision and circulation: This includes shutting down and reviewing the use of overhead advertising boards.
- Improving boarding processes: The plan will address issues related to passenger boarding, especially during disruptions.
- Creating more concourse space: This will involve alleviating pinch points and upgrading toilet facilities.
- Unifying station operation during disruption: A holistic approach will be implemented to ensure a better experience for all passengers.
- Driving up reliability: Both infrastructure and train services will be improved to reduce disruptive events.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “For too long, Euston station simply hasn’t been good enough for passengers.
“That’s why I’ve tasked Network Rail with coming up with a clear plan to immediately improve conditions for passengers. This includes a shutdown of the advertising boards from today to review their use.
“We know Euston needs a permanent solution and are working hard to agree this – but these immediate steps will help to alleviate some of the issues the station has been facing.”
Gary Walsh, route director for West Coast South said: “Passengers haven’t received the experience they deserve at Euston recently and we need to do better.
“Our five-point plan will help improve things for passengers in the short term by creating more space, providing better passenger information, and working as an industry to improve the reliability of train services on the West Coast Main Line.”
Network Rail continues to work with rail industry partners and passenger groups to explore plans and funding options for a major upgrade of the existing station in the long term. This is to deliver a brand-new station concourse that’s fit for the future, brighter, and offers much better facilities to passengers.
While the immediate improvements are underway, Network Rail continues to work with industry partners and passenger groups to explore long-term solutions for a major upgrade of the station. The goal is to create a brand-new concourse that is fit for the future, brighter, and offers enhanced facilities for passengers.
