19.07.13
Station access plans updated
New guidance has been boosted to improve access to rail travel, launched today by transport minister Norman Baker at Brighton station.
Station Travel Plans update the methodology for assessing travel patterns to and from stations, and encouraging passengers to use more sustainable forms of transport such as bus, bike, or on foot.
The plans were designed with ATOC, the Transport Research Laboratory and RSSB. They build on pilots at 30 stations and offer guidance for local authorities, transport professionals and train operators.
Baker said: “Making door-to-door journeys easier is important to the Coalition Government – people do not just want to know what times their train will run, they want to know how they are going to get to and from the station. This new guidance follows a successful pilot scheme instigated by the Department and will bring the needs of passengers walking, cycling or taking the bus to stations into sharper focus. It will help train companies and Network Rail to make important progress on station improvements up and down the country.
“I am delighted to come to Brighton to launch this guidance as we have just heard that Brighton station has been granted planning permission to go ahead with their cycle hub. This new facility which has been part-funded by DfT will offer people even more greener options for travelling to and from the station.”
David Mapp, commercial director for ATOC, said: “The updated guidance is good news for passengers as it will allow train companies and transport planners to improve provision for passengers getting to and from their local stations, helping the railways to provide real door to door transport.
“Train companies are committed to helping people find alternative ways of getting to their local stations and want to encourage sustainable journey choices.
“After years of decline the railway is booming with people being attracted to take more journeys than at any time since the 1920s. Making train travel easier is at the heart of ensuring that growth continues and train companies are committed to creating seamless and sustainable ‘door to door’ journeys.”
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