Readers call for improved facilities at city station

Rail passengers in Sunderland are calling for better facilities at the city’s train station.

The plea came following the announcement that the station welcomed an estimated 447,702 passengers for the 2017-18 year to the end of March.

This was about 36,000 less than in the previous 12 months.

The Office for Rail and Road statistics cover ticketed journeys made to and from Sunderland via Northern, Grand Central, Metro and the former Virgin Trains East Coast services.

Last Saturday (December 15) marked the 17th consecutive Saturday on which Northern operated a reduced service – and there are fears that these strikes have led to a reduction in the numbers.

We asked you, Echo readers, what could be done to attract more passengers to the station.

Many of you called for a range of improvements to the existing building, including repairs to the roof, new toilets and the addition of more cafes and bars in the nearby area.

Others argued that the building should be “bulldozed” in favour of a new site, where a state-of-the-art station could be built.

Here is what you had to say on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

Victoria Godfrey: “Have you seen the clip of the station? No car parking! There is your answer!”

Cheryl Wells: “It’s a disgrace for a city.”

David Cole: “Build a decent station on the civic centre site, bulldoze that old bomb shelter it’s embarrassing, not even a toilet down there.”

John Matters: “Total revamp and proper toilets in.”

Paul Gee: “Re-locate the station, at ground level, include cafe’s and bars etc. Oh and make sure it’s warm.

“Try looking at Leeds station for ideas, my god there’s a Wetherspoon in it.”

Daniella Hanson: “It’s to do with the fact you can get the Metro to Newcastle or drive to Durham and save £80 on a train ticket to wherever you’re going.

“Sort out the prices and routes and people will use it.”

Helen Dobinson: “Every time I go in there it’s leaking and there’s holes in the roof.”