(rshsdepot) York, UK

["Bernie Wagenblast" <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

From The Press.

 

Original story and photo at:
http://www.thepress.co.uk/news/3927087.Massive_revamp_for_York_station_/ 

 

 

Bernie Wagenblast

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Massive revamp for York station 

11:14am Thursday 27th November 2008

 

By Mike Laycock

 

They are a common sight on the London Underground, but now York’s historic
railway station is to get automatic ticket barriers as part of a £2.3
million revamp. 

 

The gates, like the ones on the Tube, are aimed at tackling fare-dodgers and
improving passenger security and safety, station operators National Express
East Coast said today. 

 

The massive refurbishment will also include a new first-class lounge, extra
cycle parking, and new electronic information boards. 

 

Barriers will stop fare dodgers and boost security, say bosses 

 

AUTOMATIC ticket barriers are to be launched at York Railway Station as part
of a £2.3 million revamp. 

 

The gates – similar to ones used on the London Underground – are aimed at
tackling fare dodgers and improving passenger security and safety, station
operators National Express East Coast (NEEC) said today. 

 

It said that people without tickets who might want to help a passenger on or
off a train would be able to approach staff, who would decide on a
case-by-case basis whether to allow them on to the platforms. 

 

The massive refurbishment will also include: • A new First Class lounge •
Extra cycle parking facilities • New electronic information boards •
Additional CCTV cameras • A review of lighting levels in customer areas. 

 

A spokesman for NEEC said the barriers would be introduced next year at York
and five other stations which it manages along the East Coast Main Line –
Darlington, Durham, Grantham, Newark Northgate and Newcastle. 

 

Their introduction followed “successful” recent trials elsewhere with
staffed barriers. 

 

“The schemes will involve automatic ticket barriers, similar to those used
on the London Underground and at other rail stations,” he said. 

 

He revealed that barriers and ticket machines would be introduced at the
Leeman Road entrance to the station as well as the main concourse entrance. 

 

He claimed such gating schemes were welcomed and supported by the industry
watchdog Passenger Focus, the Government and the majority of honest
fare-paying passengers. 

 

“NEEC believes gating, which is a franchise commitment, will help it to
build a better railway,” he said. 

 

“Gating will prevent fraudulent travel and protect revenue, which can be
invested back into the business, including station maintenance, upkeep and
improvement, and enhanced facilities. 

 

“The scheme will improve security and contribute to a safer and more
pleasant environment and travelling experience for customers.” 

 

He said staff would be on hand to assist passengers if required, so barriers
would go hand-in-hand with maintaining high customer service standards. 

 

“The gates will facilitate mobile and e-ticketing arrangements and also
smartcard technology,” he added. 

 

A planning application has not yet been submitted for the gates, but NEEC
has applied for permission to install new electronic information boards, a
new ticket vending machine near the Leeman Road entrance to the station and
an additional CCTV camera on an existing pole. 

 

Almost a year ago, National Express’s predecessor, GNER, submitted an
exploratory planning application for a multi-million pound station revamp. 

 

The plans included an arcade of ten new shops, an additional entrance at the
station’s south end, the relocation of the travel centre and passenger
lounge and the reinstatement of a tea room in Tea Room Square. 

 

The spokesman said today there were no immediate plans for the new shops,
but such developments were not ruled out in the future. 

 

Watchdog backs station barriers 

 

THE railway watchdog Passenger Focus said today it backed the introduction
of automatic ticket barriers. 

 

Spokesman Ashwin Kumar said its research showed that ticket gates were an
effective way for train operators to ensure passengers were travelling with
a ticket. He said: “Barriers are a good deterrent for keeping trouble makers
away from station platforms and helping passengers feel safer throughout
their journey. 

 

“However, it is important to ensure staff are on hand to help passengers
through the station that need assistance, such as people with disabilities
or parents with pushchairs.” 

 

National Express East Coast was unable to say how much revenue it lost to
fare dodgers every year. 

 

The Association of Train Operating Companies said it was impossible to
calculate the total loss across Britain, but the figure was thought to run
into hundreds of millions of pounds.


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