Press release -
Thameslink and Great Northern shortlisted for National Transport Awards
Thameslink’s Mike Tyler, Revenue Control Officer based at St Albans (pictured above from his days at Luton Airport Parkway station), and Great Northern’s Hatfield station have been shortlisted for the National Transport awards. The awards celebrate the successes that have been achieved on national and local transport projects, as well as the individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty.
Frontline Employee of the Year
Mike has worked hard to transform his life, from being unemployed and homeless, to an established member of our stations team. He joined us following completion of the “Get Into Railway” programme, a four week course aimed at helping disadvantaged young people into employment run by Thameslink and the Prince’s Trust. He was the first to achieve a role with Thameslink at Luton and now St Albans and went on to become an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust.
Along with other members of our Thameslink staff, Mike has been trained to become a mentor to young people now completing the “Get Into Railway” programmes. In this role Mike has already made a significant difference to other disadvantaged young people, helping them to further understand the role of the mentors, and encouraging a 100% take up from the first programme where we offered this support from our staff. This is significantly higher than the 20% take up the charity normally sees on these types of programmes with other organisations.
Rail Station of the Year
The work at Hatfield station has transformed the station into a passenger-focused, multi-modal transport interchange, designed to exceed passenger expectations and meet future demand.
The seven-stage programme included adding new platform facilities, step-free access, a multi-storey car park, extension of the station building, more retail space, highway remodelling and creation of a brand new bus interchange, with taxi rank and additional secure bicycle storage.
The design and implementation includes modern facilities, such as energy efficient holophane LED lighting, and an automatic number plate recognition system for payment, whilst ensuring the work complemented the surrounding area.
At the official opening of the station, Lord Salisbury, hereditary owner of Hatfield House described the new station as “a flagship for a new Hatfield”.
Thameslink’s Passenger Services Director, Stuart Cheshire, said: “We do some really excellent work with the Prince’s Trust, giving young people an opportunity, as well as the support, to help to turn around their lives. Mike really stands out as someone who has made the most of this chance and is a great addition to the team. I am very proud to see him going out of his way, alongside other staff, to give even more support to those who complete a programme with us through the mentoring programme.”
Great Northern’s Passenger Services Director, Keith Jipps, said: “A few years ago Hatfield station was rather uninspiring. Today it is accessible to all, with new ramps to the front of the station, as well as lifts between platforms. The station now boasts some excellent retail outlets for our passengers and, most importantly, helps them to consider more sustainable transport options to get to and from the station, through the excellent multi-modal interchange.”
The winners of each category will be announced on 13 October 2016.
ends
About Govia Thameslink Railway
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services as follows:
The GTR investment programme for stations includes funding for more CCTV, toilet refurbishments, new retail facilities, help points and car park improvements – as well as plans for increased motorcycle storage and improved transport integration.
southernrailway.com, gatwickexpress.com, thameslinkrailway.com greatnorthernrail.com
For more information email press.office@gtrailway.com or call the press office on 0203 750 2031
