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Monday 25 Jun 2007

SIR NICHOLAS WINTERTON MP UNVEILS NEW STATION EQUIPMENT

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Sir Nicholas Winterton MP was at Macclesfield station last week (22 June) to officially unveil new station information screens, which have been strategically located around the station. Network Rail and the Department for Transport have jointly invested £6.6 million to make brand new customer information screens available at 24 stations on the West Coast Main Line. Jo Kaye, Area General Manager for Network Rail said: "Timely and accurate information is crucial for travelling passengers and those meeting friends and relatives or business colleagues. With this new system it will be even more easy to understand which is the next train to arrive at the platform and the time it is expected." The new screens use the latest display technology, a mixture of orange LED displays in strong sunlight areas and flat screens in waiting rooms and the ticket office. Both meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act because they are clearer to read and have large characters. Prior to the installation of the new screens, passengers had to rely on staff making announcements, and using whiteboards and flipcharts as neccesary. Speaking at the unveiling, Sir Nicholas said: "I am pleased to see these improvements being made at Macclesfield. This is a significant investment for rail users and will make a real difference to everyone using the station." The new screens are available at various points in Macclesfield station, including the platforms, entrance and in the waiting room. Chris Coleman, Regional Director North for Virgin West Coast, said: "We know from feedback from customers that station improvements are welcomed by rail users who have also benefited from investment in trains. The much clearer information displays and other station enhancements help make rail travel even more attractive."