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Monday 11 Dec 2006

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT, THE FUTURE’S ORANGE AT STOCKPORT STATION

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Rail passengers at Stockport station can see future train services more clearly now that new information screens with bright orange graphics have been installed by Network Rail. The screens are part of a £6.6 million project to install them at 24 stations managed by Virgin Trains on the west coast route. Network Rail’s area general manager Jo Kaye said: “The new screens at Stockport will complement the others we are providing at key stations in and around Manchester. They will replace old television-style screens that were the height of technology when introduced 20 years or more ago but look so out dated in these days of fast moving digital communications.” On each platform there are two ‘next train departure’ screens with three lines of text. The first line shows the departure time and final destination of the next train to arrive at the platform. The middle line is a scrolling list of stations the train calls at and the last line shows details such as the train operator and where first class and catering facilities are located Also in on the platforms and in the waiting rooms there are screens that list approximately 10 of the next departures, showing the time of the train, its destination station, platform number and on time or expected time if delayed. In the station foyer there are two screens showing up to 10 train arrivals and departures per screen. There are also five large screens with details of all the calling points of the next few trains. Councillor Maureen Rowles, Stockport spokesperson for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: “The new screens are a vast improvement for passengers using Stockport rail station. As well as being important for local trains, Stockport is a key interchange point for services on the West Coast Mainline. It’s crucial that train-running information is as clear and accessible as possible. “These hi-tech new screens are also in keeping with the modern feel of the station since its major refurbishment funded by the Authority, Network Rail and Virgin just a few years ago. We will continue to work in partnership to introduce improvements for rail passengers where we can.” The new screens use the latest display technology, a mixture of orange LED displays in strong sunlight areas on the platforms and flat screens in waiting rooms. Both meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act because they are clearer to read and have large characters. The station, which is owned by Network Rail, is managed on a daily basis by train operator Virgin. Virgin Trains Regional Director North Chris Coleman said: "We are delighted that the new Customer Information System has been installed at Stockport, one of our key stations. Vast numbers of customers will now benefit from clearer and more comprehensive information displays, making their journey planning far easier."