Partnerships and best practice are key to better stations

Network Rail is consulting on a report on passenger congestion, and will soon publish ‘best practice’ station design guidance. Working in partnership will be key to improving stations without breaking the bank

Mike Goggin

02 June 2011

Mike Goggin joined Network Rail as Director Stations & Customer Service in February 2010. He was previously at transport consultancy Steer Davies Gleave working on UK and international projects. Mike graduated from the University of Wales with a degree in International Transport and has worked for a train operator, a bus company and the Strategic Rail Authority.

A partnership in action. Last months opening of the new Clapham Junction station. From left: Robin Gisby, Network Rail; Boris Johnson, Mayor of London; Norman Baker, Transport Minister; Andy Pitt, South West Trains; Ravi Govindia, Wandsworth Council

Stations are as much a part of our nation’s history as they are the shop windows of the railway. They feature in films and in novels and are often focal points within our towns and cities. As these towns and cities grow and change, so must their stations.

But the changes needed to cope with the growing popularity of the railway are rarely the same.

Britain relies on rail, and the railway is nearly full. Major programmes like Crossrail and Thameslink are increasing capacity in London and...