23.08.17
RSSB launches framework to improve nation’s stations
A new framework has this week been released that assesses and compares the performance of railway stations around the country.
Led by the RSSB, the framework will give users quick and easy access to information about local stations across the network.
In particular, it will support the industry’s long-term planning process by enabling more efficient allocation of funding.
It will help TOCs bidding for new franchises learn more about stations, and it will also be used by local authorities, LEPs and private funders to inform business cases for third party investments.
RSSB researchers used the East Midlands franchise as a case study to develop the framework, which has also defined the potential for a new forward looking way to classify stations.
“The overall aim is to enable better decisions to be made through better data, improving outcomes for the industry, for passengers and for local communities,” an RSSB spokesperson said.
“The reach of the tool can be developed for passenger use and RSSB are in consultation with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) to expand the platform and turn the feasibility study into a fully functional tool.”
Specifically, the framework will measure and contextualise current industry performance across the spectrum of operational scenarios at stations, from retailing to the energy consumption of assets provided.
It will also provide a number of benchmarks at stations that identify and drive improvements in the management of the services provided, delivering best performance at lowest cost to both passenger and taxpayer.
The RSSB also said it will co-operate with the RDG Stations Strategy Groups in order to agree a segmented offer to passengers and customers at stations, whilst also defining and agreeing on a menu of core services provided at stations based on classifications and criteria such as the socio-economic profile of the area the station is situated.
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