East Midlands Trains’ station staff are celebrating after the winners of the company’s newly launched ‘Best Station Awards’ were announced. The awards look to recognise the best of the company’s 89 stations under the categories of Best Small Station, Best Medium Station, Best Large Station and Most Improved Station.
Leicester scooped the award for Most Improved Station this year. The judges commented that they were particularly impressed with the team’s consistent high standards and flexible approach.
In the large stations category, London St Pancras was named as winner due both to the initiatives taken by the staff to improve customer service at this busy station, and the care and attention given to passengers by the staff working there, often under difficult circumstances.
At Corby, which picked up the award for Best Medium Station, judges praised the success of the newly opened station as well as the team who work closely together to deliver a professional, high quality service to customers.
And, last but by no means least, Blythe Bridge claimed the award for Best Small Station for the improvements made there, including new customer information screens and new platform shelters. The judges were also particularly impressed by the level of community support for this station.
Derby, Sheffield, Beeston and Narborough stations all received Highly Commended awards.
David Horne, Customer Service Director for East Midlands Trains, added: “These awards are a reflection of the hard work that goes on at our stations day in, day out. For many passengers travelling with us, the first time they will come into contact with East Midlands Trains is when they arrive at one of our stations, so it’s absolutely crucial that they start their journey with a positive impression.
“We’re delighted with the enthusiasm shown for this year’s awards and would like to congratulate all the winners on their success.”
Kelly Betchley, Passenger Link Executive for Passenger Focus who helped to judge the awards, added: “Stations are the gateway to a passenger’s railway journey. Our latest research shows that passengers rate East Midlands Trains’ stations higher than the national average and these awards recognise and applaud the company’s efforts to improve passengers’ experience. Keep up the good work!”