Wednesday 30 Jun 2004

NEW CUSTOMER INFORMATION SYSTEMS AT MANAGED STATIONS ARE A BIG IMPROVEMENT ON MANUAL BOARDS SAY PASSENGERS

Region & Route:
| Southern
Network Rail, today announced that passenger research into the introduction of its new Customer Information Systems (CIS) at large Network Rail terminal stations shows that nine out of ten passengers at Glasgow Central (95%) and three quarters at King’s Cross (75%) think the new systems are excellent or good.  Passengers also praised Network Rail’s move to improve the provision of up-to-date and easy to read train information. This work forms part of Network commitment to improving the passenger experience at its major city terminals. Those questioned responded positively to the investment in the new system and see the information screens as a big improvement on the old style manual boards. Rail passengers also commended the lack of disruption and the seamless transition to the new electronic system. Atos Origin carried out the work to install the new, state of the art technology at 5 of Network Rail’s 14 major stations including Euston, Gatwick Express, Glasgow Central, Kings Cross and London Bridge. The system manages and transmits accurate travel information in real time to passengers via multiple sources, including information screens and over the public address system. The brightness, colour and size of the screens are seen as a major improvement and respondents commented that train information is clearer and easier to read. The screens are updated more frequently, providing accurate clear and accurate information, thus reducing time spent at the busiest areas of the station and limiting congestion.             “We are totally committed to improving our level of customer service and I’m delighted that the research shows how our investment is making life easier for station users,” commented Marcus Long, xxxx Network Rail.

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We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.

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