Network Rail survey of stations

Message from Southwark Rail Users' Group for all local rail users

Network Rail is launching the first ever Nationwide stations research project asking passengers what is important to them at their local station, where they would like to see investment and what are their priorities. They say they want to know what passengers want from stations and what's important to them. See further information in their Press Release below.
This seems an opportunity not be missed to tell them what we think of our own stations - Peckham Rye, Queens Road Peckham, South Bermondsey, East Dulwich, Nunhead, Denmark Hill.
Let's get lots of local users taking part so they really get the message about what needs to be improved. If you need another incentive - you might win an annual season ticket or £2000.if you take part!
The survey can be accessed online at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/actionstations...
Click and check it out now!

Southwark Rail Users' Group
www.southwarkrailusers.net
to join the email list email: SRUG@southwarkrailusers.net
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Network Rail Press Release Thursday 12 Nov 2009

FIRST EVER PASSENGER RESEARCH ABOUT STATIONS LAUNCHED

Network Rail today launched the first ever piece of passenger research specific targeting stations, as it unveiled its plans to improve thousands of stations across the country in a five year, £3.25bn, programme of investment.
Dave Ward, Network Rail's route director for Kent, said: "Stations are the railways' shop-front and they have been ignored for too long. With the punctuality of the railways now running at record levels and our major programme to boost capacity and provide more seats on trains underway, we can now look at other priorities and stations and are at the top of the list.
"Much is planned in the area over the coming years and we must invest wisely. We shouldn't try and second guess passengers but ask them what they want from stations and what's important to them. We need to listen to passengers and use their views on stations to guide our decisions."
In a pioneering move, Network Rail is launching the first ever Nationwide stations research project asking passengers what is important to them at their local station, where they would like to see investment and what are their priorities. The survey can be accessed online at www.networkrail.co.uk/actionstations

The research project will kick off later this month, last for up to three months and involve on-line surveys, telephone surveys and focus groups to really get into the detail of what passengers rate as the most important things to have at stations. The results from the survey, along with the station champions report expected shortly from the Department for Transport, will feed into a much wider review on stations, led by Network Rail. This will take place over the next twelve months involving every train operator, rail funding partner and interest group in the country.
At the same time Network Rail said over 150 stations on routes to, from and across Kent will benefit from investment between now and spring 2014 with sums ranging from tens of thousands of pounds to millions. The improvements to be made include things like:
* New passenger information systems
* New lifts and stairways
* New toilets, waiting rooms and shelters
* New, longer or resurfaced platforms
* Bigger or refurbished ticket offices and ticket halls
* Better lighting and CCTV
* Smarter stations - redecoration, more seating and retail opportunities
Nationally, over 2,000 stations will benefit from this £3.25bn investment.

Notes to Editors:
* Network Rail is also publishing an information booklet about stations and the research entitled 'Action Stations'
* Tens of thousands of leaflets will today be handed out to passengers inviting them to take part in the on-line survey
* All those who complete the survey will be entered into a free prize draw to win a season ticket (value up to £2,000)
* The investment announced today does not just come from Network Rail funds but pulls together all the investment being targeted at stations over the next five years and includes sources such as the DfT, train operators, Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government, PTEs, local authorities and other third parties
* The list of stations is not exhaustive and represents a 'snap-shot' in time and may include stations that are in the early stages of being planned but we, or our partners, are keen to see come to fruition over the next five years