Some passengers will be able to board trains early to avoid the notorious “Euston rush” in changes that have just been announced.
Network Rail and train operators Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway revealed the changes yesterday (October 28).
It comes after Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said earlier this month that the passenger experience at Euston has “not been good enough”.
A five-point plan to improve the station and prevent overcrowding had promised to review how passengers are invited to, and board, services.
Earlier this month, London TravelWatch warned that passengers at Euston are being put “in danger” by “high levels of overcrowding”.
The watchdog added that “last-minute announcements” mean passengers “rush to platforms”.
To tackle this issue, Network Rail has said that, as of this week, two in every five Avanti West Coast services can be boarded 20 minutes before departure.
More services will be added in the coming weeks, so that a majority can be boarded early in the run-up to Christmas.
“Continuous boarding” of London Northwestern Railway's Birmingham services has also been introduced.
This means that passengers are invited onto platforms to await their service as soon as the preceding train has departed.
Other measures already introduced to improve the passenger experience at Euston include the temporary shut down of much-loathed advertising boards at the station, pending a review.
There are also plans to create more concourse space at the station, and upgrade the existing toilets.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “I am pleased to see immediate improvements being made at Euston Station to reduce the risk of overcrowding, drive up standards and deliver a better experience for passengers.
“For too long, Euston station simply has not been good enough.
“That’s why I have tasked Network Rail and operators with delivering a clear plan to alleviate some of the issues passengers are facing while we work on a long-term solution for the station.”
Improvements to the existing station come amid reports that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will approve funding for the HS2 station at Euston at tomorrow’s Budget (October 30).
The former Conservative government had thrown into doubt plans for the high-speed line to terminate at Euston, citing rising costs.
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