Press releases

Passenger views on new trains should be paramount

06.05.2009

Passengers have high expectations from the next generation of trains and want more luggage space, better toilets and more comfortable seating included in new designs.

Passenger Focus has revealed the findings of research looking at passenger satisfaction with inter-city train interiors. The study is intended to help the industry design new trains which meet passenger needs. Passenger Focus is now calling on the industry to build mock-ups of the new trains to run on the East Coast Main Line and Great Western Main Line, giving passengers the opportunity to feedback on design.

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said: “Trains currently running on these lines are at least 30 years old. Modern trains with better performance and passenger capacity are urgently needed.

“It is passengers who will be buying tickets to travel on these trains for the next 30 or 40 years, so it is only right that they’re given a say on how trains for the 21st century should be designed.”

The national passenger watchdog’s research looked at passengers’ views on the design of trains currently running across the British rail network. The findings show that while passengers want improved luggage space, this should not impact on the comfort of their journey. They also expect seating and legroom to be of a standard which at least meets current best practice.

The design should include improvements to grab rails, seat reservation systems and better designed toilet facilities were also highlighted as priorities.

ends

Notes to editors

1. The report, Designing for the future Passengers’ preferences for new national intercity rolling stock from 2012 is available to download from: Designing the future

2. Media enquiries regarding this release should be addressed to:
Krista Hamblin
Press officer
0300 123 0821/07918 626 045
krista.hamblin@passengerfocus.org.uk