GNER in bike parking PR boost

Well done to GNER for highlighting the extra spending on station bicycle facilities. Many other train operators are cutting services for passengers choosing to arrive by bike.

Here’s the full release:

EASIER RIDE FOR CYCLISTS AT GNER STATIONS

TRAIN operator GNER has increased cycling facilities for rail passengers at key stations along the East Coast Main line as part of its station modernisation programme. The GNER managed stations will now offer a total of 954 cycle spaces for passengers taking the train who wish to park their cycle at the station. The lock-up cycle facilities are provided by GNER and are free of charge. GNER spokesman Andy Naylor said: "The new cycle racks at key stations will provide better access and improve bike-rail integration for passengers who wish to cycle to and from the station. The new cycle rack facilities are part of GNER’s £10 million station improvements programme to modernise facilities for all passengers at key stations along the East Coast Main Line." Clive Gossop, Regional Director of Rail Passengers Committee for North East of England said: "Stations are part of the fabric of Britain’s railway and the gateway to travel by rail. The RPC is in favour of improved integration between rail and other forms of transport and welcomes the increase in cycle provision at the stations. The cycle is an ideal way to get to and from your local station and continue your journey by train." The total number of spaces now available at Peterborough is 142; Grantham 40; Newark North Gate 52; Retford 20; Wakefield Westgate 20; York 420; Darlington 98; Durham 62; Newcastle 60; Berwick-upon-Tweed 20; Dunbar 20. GNER’s routewide station modernisation programme is due to be completed by April 2005. The customer service improvements will vary from station to station, but include new customer information systems, refurbished toilets, improved security and CCTV, refurbished travel centres, lounges and subways, bigger car parks and extra cycle spaces.

GNER operates 122 trains a day between London Kings Cross, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, the North East of England and Scotland, carrying over 15 million passengers a year.