Virgin Trains: Passenger power prompts better information

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Thursday, 06, Mar 2008 12:00

Virgin Trains has listened to its passengers and is trialing improved information signage on one of its Pendolino trains.

Last year members of the Virgin Trains Passengers Panel suggested the information labels both inside and outside of the train could be further improved to help passengers locate the right part of the train, and the onboard facilities, that they needed.

The new labels, on the outside of the train signpost the location of disabled areas, Shop, quiet coaches, cycle area and the seats accessed from each entrance door. The labels have a red background for Standard accommodation, and a blue background for First Class.

Inside the train, 'you are here' signing in the vestibules will allow passengers to easily identify the direction of the Shop, First Class and Standard accommodation and disabled toilet locations.

New door opening pushbuttons have also been fitted to the exterior of the train. These will provide a touch confirmation to passengers that they have activated the door opening sequence. They replace the original touch-sensitive buttons.

Chris Gibb, Virgin Trains Chief Operating Officer said: "This is an example of where the views of our passengers really count. There was a feeling amongst Passenger Panel members that whilst our informational signing was really good it could be better. We have listened to what they told us and this trial is the result."

The new signing and push buttons have been fitted to Pendolino train 390001, named Virgin Pioneer. Passengers will notice the new signs as soon as they see the train and we welcome their comments and feedback, which should be made to the Virgin Trains Customer Relations Team on 0845 000 8000, by email to customer.relations@virgintrains.co.uk, or by post to Customer Relations, Virgin Trains, PO Box 713, Birmingham B5 4HH.

ENDS

For further media information contact the Virgin Trains Press Office on 0845 000 3333, or visit our media website at www.virgintrainsmediaroom.com.

Notes to Editors

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Virgin Trains is the brand name of Virgin Rail Group. We have operated the West Coast passenger train franchise since 1997; the current franchise runs to March 2012.

Virgin Rail Group is owned 51 percent by Virgin Group and 49 percent by Stagecoach

Virgin Trains has recently been listed as the Best Train Operator in a survey by the Institute of Customer Service; came joint top of the long-distance train operators for passenger satisfaction in the National Passenger Survey and has been voted Best Rail Company by Travel Weekly magazine