Passengers actually have something to smile about as Network Rail and the Association of Train Operating Companies attempt to relieve the tax burden by launching a new £100m station improvement fund.
Alec McTavish, director of policy and operations at ATOC, believes it could, “bring real benefits to passengers” as the fund will be used to improve the station environments and its facilities.
Stations could therefore receive a huge budget boost however assessed proposals for the improvement fund must provide a financial return over and above project costs and be complete by 31 st March 2014.
Although winning proposals will benefit from a Network Rail sponsor to help secure the necessary consents and support effective delivery it is not definite that their project will be successful.
Stations should seriously assess whether their bids can deliver a better service financially and for their passengers before downloading their applications and signing on the dotted line.
