Southern Rail scoop four awards

The first accolade the train operator received was for 'Putting Passengers First'.

Southern, acting on passenger suggestions, introduced a Priority Seat Card for disabled, elderly, or pregnant passengers, or those carrying infants, to get a seat on busy trains.

Introduced in September 2009 the card is particularly effective for those whose need for a seat is not always obvious.

Judges said:

"This simple piece of card has transformed the lives of many passengers. Perhaps all transport operators should take this up."

hief executive of rail watchdog, Passenger Focus, and chair of the judging panel for the Putting Passengers First Award, Anthony Smith, said:

"Southern Railway's scheme takes away what can be an awkward situation for both the passenger who needs the seat and the passenger confronted. We encourage other train companies to learn from Southern's innovative approach to helping its passengers."

Bexhill station won the Small Station of the Year category. The station has undergone a complete restoration, retaining all the old-world charm features which won the hearts of the judges.

So impressed were the judges by the station, they said:

"The waiting room is uncannily like your lounge at home! The staff were courteous, on the ball and the overall ambience made you feel that the customers were the priority."

The Medium Station of the Year category saw Eastbourne station beating off stiff competition to win "not just because of its bright, welcoming concourse and passenger facilities giving a very positive impression", but also because "the staff are welcoming and helpful and considerate to the needs of passengers."

In the Innovation category, Southern, together with train manufacturer, Bombardier and rail infrastructure owner, Network Rail won for finding the solution to an age-old problem '“ the icing of the third 'conductor' rail in very cold weather conditions which hampered trains when trying to draw electricity for traction.

The answer was to modify software on the train to enable enhanced ice mode operation.

As a result, during bad weather in early 2009, power failures on ice-coated rails dropped by more than 80%.

Judges pointed out that this solution was "1% inspiration and 99% perspiration!" And praised the partnership for overcoming complex issues to do with software, safety considerations and train modification before it could be implemented.

Southern's Managing Director Chris Burchell said:

"To win four awards is a fantastic achievement and testament to all that we at Southern have achieved in the last year. The people who have benefited most from all of these achievements are, of course, our passengers who rightly deserve the very best stations, trains and levels of service."

For further information visit the website at: www.southernrailway.com