Earlier today, I had a useful update from Mark Hopwood, Interim Managing Director at South Western Railway (SWR), about their plans for local rail services post-Coronavirus.
We met up (outside) at Walton Station, where Mark briefed me on the new footbridge that will be built over the tracks next year. Importantly, the footbridge will have a lift, which will make moving between platforms a lot easier for disabled residents. It was also great to hear that SWR has reduced rent for the retailers around Walton Station, some of which I visited a few weeks ago. This is a welcome move, recognising the impact of reduced rail travel, and therefore customers, since March.
SWR are also looking at how residents can get better deals and a better overall experience on the railway after Coronavirus. First, they are working on new, flexible ticketing options, so that residents who might not commute every day can still get a good deal. SWR will also begin rolling out their new ‘Arterio’ trains in the new few months, which will have accessible toilets, free WiFi, air conditioning and live information screens.
Of course I appreciate that before Coronavirus, SWR’s performance had been causing significant frustration and disruption locally. Mark assured me that he will be building on the improvements in performance seen in the early part of this year. I will be keeping a close eye on this in the months ahead.
