Network Rail will begin a trial to provide clearer and more visible travel updates for passengers at London Euston.
As part of its five-point plan to improve the passenger experience, rail engineers will start testing a large screen on Wednesday evening, 11 December. The screen, where the station’s departure boards used to be, will display live travel information.
The former advertisement board is being repurposed in response to passenger feedback requesting a central point for travel updates on the concourse.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “I’m pleased to see Network Rail taking action and making progress on its five-point plan to alleviate some of the issues faced at Euston – particularly at this time of year, when the festive period brings an increase in passengers.
“We’ve been clear the station simply hasn’t been good enough for customers, and that’s why we recently tasked Network Rail with making immediate improvements to address crowding and give passengers the experience they deserve.”
Gary Walsh, Network Rail’s West Coast South route director, said: “After listening to our passengers, we’re pleased to launch a trial to display travel information on Euston station’s large screen this week. Our five-point plan is all about making quick and effective improvements to make journeys smoother for everyone and we’re really pleased to be able to deliver this in time for the busy festive travel period.
“While initial testing starts on Wednesday evening this week, we’re urging passengers to continue to use the screens in the middle of the concourse for accurate travel information. We’ll let passengers know when the large screen is fully up and running, which we expect to be from next week.”
The testing phase, starting on 11 December, will include messaging throughout the station to ensure passengers are informed. The screen is expected to be fully operational by next week.
This initiative builds on other changes under Network Rail’s five-point plan, such as early boarding for Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway services. Passenger feedback on early boarding has been positive, with reports of a calmer station environment, particularly during peak times.
Passengers travelling to and from London Euston during the festive period are advised that the station will be extremely busy due to engineering works affecting other major routes into London. Travellers are encouraged to plan their journeys before Tuesday 24 December or after Thursday 2 January.
For more details about travel arrangements, visit www.networkrail.co.uk/wcml.
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