HIGHLY COMMENDED
Two highly commended awards were made to other entries in this category. It was really difficult judging such different sorts of entries, but the judges were keen for these to be recognised.
Great Western Railway and Network Rail submitted an excellent entry for the Ealing Broadway blockade last Christmas.
This complex possession covered many worksites and teams working on the line from Maidenhead into Paddington. No diversions were possible, Ealing Broadway has no lifts or escalators, and no one wanted a repeat of the Finsbury Park Christmas chaos of the year before. So, a lot of pressure.
The planning was breathtaking and the attention to detail really impressive. Nothing was left to chance. Good quality information, lots of staff on hand, temporary toilets, tea and biscuits, and Ealing town hall was hired in case of emergency. Even the GWR military band (I didn’t know there still was one) was mustered on Christmas Eve to provide some cheer.
It all went well - no news is good news. This project set the benchmark for future ones, of which there will be many. We are getting good at this in this country, as muchneeded and welcome investment is dug in.
The other award was made to Parkeon and Stagecoach Rail for the ‘IRIS’ video-linked ticket machine.
Transport Focus research shows that some passengers have problems with the way ticket vending machines are set up. While there have been improvements, many passengers still end up queuing at the ticket window to ask questions while ticket machines lie idle.
Parkeon, on its own initiative, approached South West Trains (which was approaching the end of its franchise), and the two worked to develop this effective and useful ticket machine with a high-quality video link.
With advisors on tap who can speak many languages and who can (if needed) take over the machine to help, these machines can really help passengers make sure they get the best-value ticket for their journey. Some 91 stations now benefit from machines. I have tried them - they are really good and passenger friendly!