Rail industry sets out vision for the station of the future

Rail companies have published a series of images showing a vision of how the railway station of the future might look, as an inviting place at the heart of a community, providing for seamless journeys from the car, bus or bike or on foot onto the platform.

The concept images show how, as rail travel becomes central to even more people’s daily lives, the station and its surrounding area could be places people want to be, and not just somewhere to catch a train. Facilities could include online shopping collection points, children’s play areas and piazzas where people can sit and enjoy a coffee outdoors.

The images demonstrate how older station buildings could be revitalised while protecting their heritage, while new buildings make a statement about their local area – whether a striking modern design or a structure sensitive to a historic place.

Highlights of the illustrations include:

the removal of the divide between the railway and the community it serves, with a stronger emphasis on somewhere that people can spend more time, from picking up their online shopping to using continuous Wi-Fi for work before getting on a train, and providing a pleasant environment in which to eat and drink;

the area outside the station showing how small pockets of station land can find new uses: children’s play areas allow for a more family-friendly waiting environment, while small businesses can set up shop quickly and easily in flexible spaces;

train information being more clearly displayed, with new station buildings designed to allow clearer lines of sight, a greater sense of security and space for staff to provide assistance;

station platforms being built to a modular design, making the best possible use of the available space within the station, providing information, services and facilities where desired

how accessibility throughout the station can be made as easy as possible, for everyone who uses the railway, by being built on the same level with step-free access.

The images, developed by bpr architects, bring to life the Vision for Stations, published last year by the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the train operators and Network Rail. It shows how Britain’s 2,500 plus stations – a number only set to increase over the coming years – can empower communities and support businesses, and act as the best possible gateway for the wider rail network.

Intrinsically focussed on the customer experience, the vision is tailored to local needs, harbouring enterprise and integrated with other transport modes. The concept station – ‘Station Place’ - builds upon the nine guiding principles of the RDG's Vision for Stations document, published in 2015.

Paul Plummer, Chief Executive at the Rail Delivery Group said: “Stations are hugely important gateways to our railway, and are increasingly important to our economy as rail companies deliver the railway that Britain needs and wants through a Railway Upgrade Plan of over £50bn.

“Britain’s stations have great potential not only as transport hubs but as places for local economies to flourish. Our Vision – aided by the Station Place concept - shows how stations can be more customer focussed, use technology more intelligently and encourage an entrepreneurial spirit in the communities that they serve”. Railtex 2017 will once again be the industry's favoured meeting place for the showcasing and viewing of products, services and innovations, whilst offering all attendees ample opportunity to hear project updates, briefings and keynote addresses from leading industry figures.

Quelle: Railtex