PDA

View Full Version : Who owns the Train Stations??

DCodd
03-06-2009, 1:54 PM
I ask the question, who owns the train stations, because I was reading a newsletter from Reigate & Banstead Council (Sad old sod!!) and they had an article about the money they had spent on refurbing Horley Train Station.

I thought Network Rail owned the stations? so why is my local council paying for it?

I must be clearly wrong but thought I'd ask you more knowledgeable people.

Thank you.
robt
03-06-2009, 2:48 PM
Network Rail do own the stations.
cactusdust
03-06-2009, 2:55 PM
.. but only 18 are operated by Network Rail; Gatwick Airport Station, Bristol Temple Meads, Reading, London Paddington to name only a few... The rest are owned by NR but are operated by the respective network operator.
peter_the_piper
03-06-2009, 3:32 PM
Are these British Railway stations or American Train Stations?
DCodd
03-06-2009, 4:11 PM
Are these British Railway stations or American Train Stations?


English, Surrey
chuckley
03-06-2009, 4:53 PM
when i went ot my local to complain about the machine, they said i had to go through southern as they 'own the station'.

i thought it was weird myself. never did get round to complaining, so who knows!
robt
03-06-2009, 4:56 PM
when i went ot my local to complain about the machine, they said i had to go through southern as they 'own the station'.

i thought it was weird myself. never did get round to complaining, so who knows!

It may well be that ticket machines (I am only assuming it was a ticket/PTV machine) are the TOC's responsibility.
daveyjp
03-06-2009, 8:43 PM
Having had dealings with work at a railway station it goes like this:

Network Rail own the "permanent way" - the parts of the network trains need to run - rails, signals, bridges, tunnels, power lines etc etc

The main train operator is responsible for station buildings, info boards, CCTV etc - in our area it is Northern Rail

The local PTE (Passenger Transport Executive) also has an input - this could be where the Council is involved as partnership work between the PTE and Councils is not uncommon.
KeithP
03-06-2009, 10:22 PM
Daveyjp is, imho, nearly right.
I think Network Rail own all the stations, and except for those major stations mentioned earlier, each station is leased to the appropriate operator who then manages it.
Bogof_Babe
03-06-2009, 10:25 PM
I'm quite interested in this as I think it is scandalous that some stations operate turnstile toilets costing 30p to use, while others are completely free.

How can they justify charging, when the next station, a couple of miles down the line, doesn't?
robt
03-06-2009, 10:42 PM
I'm quite interested in this as I think it is scandalous that some stations operate turnstile toilets costing 30p to use, while others are completely free.

How can they justify charging, when the next station, a couple of miles down the line, doesn't?

Network rail operated stations charge for the toilets. Before we get to your question, why should they be free to start with?

I've not seen paid for toilets that are in bad condition or dirty, or not had an attendant nearby.
Bogof_Babe
03-06-2009, 11:04 PM
I think 30p is a bit of a rip-off, that's all. Yes I agree they are generally more modern than the free ones, but it's just another bit of hassle in making sure you have enough 30p's for your party before you set out, or making sure you "go" on the train, if you know you will have to wait around for a connection.

I find it embarrassing watching people shuffle around at the turnstile trying to sort out the right change, and sometimes walking away if they don't have it. It seems an infringement of their human rights not to have a free wee!

Tbh I'm not fussy how smart they are, I don't go into them to appreciate the ambience ;).
surreysaver
04-06-2009, 12:07 AM
Because if they didn't charge, you would get all sorts of people in there - and those people would not be using the toilet for what it was bulit for.
Stolen_Soul
04-06-2009, 1:00 AM
Network Rail owns the stations. The train companies manage them. Any complaints about the stations need to be directed to the train company, with the exception of the 18 that Network Rail manage, in which case you would direct your complaint to them.
p00hsticks
04-06-2009, 1:36 PM
If you type a particular station name here it will give the all the relevant information on the station, including who it is managed by.

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/

In the case of Horley, it's Southern.

The council may have put money in to support a local Rail partnership scheme. These often exist to improve the environment in and around the statino over and above the minimum required by the rail companies, on the grounds that it's generally in the interest of the local community.

http://www.acorp.uk.com/
DCodd
04-06-2009, 1:47 PM
Thanks All for taking the time to reply:beer:

Best throw my complaint letter to Reigate away then!!!:rotfl:
Bogof_Babe
04-06-2009, 2:38 PM
Because if they didn't charge, you would get all sorts of people in there - and those people would not be using the toilet for what it was bulit for.

The free ones I'm thinking of (at Crewe and Chester) are on the platforms, so you'd have to have a ticket to travel to be able to access them I'd think.

If this wasn't a money saving site I would feel silly complaining about paying 30p, but as it is, I think I am permitted a moan! :D
Altarf
04-06-2009, 3:02 PM
Because if they didn't charge, you would get all sorts of people in there - and those people would not be using the toilet for what it was bulit for.

So you get a different sort of person using Kings Cross station, which is chargeable, from St Pancras, which is free and is only 100 yards away.