UK train operator Northern is set to embark on an audible journey to deter anti-social behaviour across 23 of its stations through playing classical music inspired by Handel, Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky.
The decision has been made based upon the results of a successful pilot scheme which saw trials at nine stations across the North of England in the past twelve months, including:
- Billingham
- Shildon
- Heighington
- North Road
- Orrell
- Keighley
- Hyde North
- Ilkley
- Newton Aycliffe
These trials saw a significant reduction in the number of loitering, graffiti and overall vandalism related incidents, shown through an 83 per cent reduction in antisocial behaviour and trespassing at one of the stations involved.
The music will only be played at specific times throughout the day, which will naturally vary from station to station to accommodate for the differing needs and have the best impacts on the unwanted behaviours.
Mark Powles, customer and commercial director, at Northern, said:
“Anti-social behaviour is a nuisance in its lightest form and nothing short of a criminal act at its worst. Unfortunately, railway stations - like many other public areas - can attract this sort of mindless behaviour – which is unfair and unsettling to our customers.
“The classical music trials proved very interesting – and the results speak for themselves. We’ll now begin work on a roll-out programme across 23 targeted stations to spread that success far and wide.”
The official rollout of this programme will now commence across a further 23 stations, including:
- Beverley
- Birchwood
- Brinnington
- Bryn
- Cottingham
- Cross Gates
- Fitzwilliam
- Flimby
- Halewood
- Haltwhistle
- Hattersley
- Levenshulme
- Lostock Gralam
- Maryport
- Mill Hill
- Newton for Hyde
- Penistone
- Rainhill
- Sowerby Bridge
- Sunderland
- Ulverston
- Wetheral
- Whiston
Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.
