Published: New guide to improving Britain’s stations

From local gateways to major commuter hubs, getting the best for all Britain’s stations is the aim of a new design guide published today by Network Rail.

Developed with the help of rail industry partners, passenger groups and design bodies, the Guide to Station Planning and Design will provide a source of good practice for any organisation involved in improving stations, big or small.

Mike Goggin, director of stations and customer service, said: “Millions of people use stations every day, whether as gateways to the railway or as places to work, shop or meet family and friends. As rail travel becomes ever more popular, these numbers will grow. Our new guide will help any organisation planning to make improvements to make the right decision for passengers and for local communities.”

The guide does not specify particular designs to follow, instead it helps design teams to assess whether their plans will deliver better stations through making them accessible and easy to use, integrate well with their communities and make a positive economic, social and environmental impact.

The guide will be used by Network Rail as part of its planning process. It can also be used by rail industry and other partners alongside their own policies and standards and follows the publication in May of detailed options to tackle passenger crowding as part of the station route utilisation strategy.