Level access to northbound platform
Currently, Morpeth’s northbouund platform can only be reached by a flight of steps from the subway. However, the platform is only a few yards from and on the same level as Bankside Road, across disused railway sidings.
This would enable access for disabled in wheelchairs, parents with buggies and those with luggage on wheels, and increase rail use.
DfT “Access For All” funding announced 31st January 2008 (see DfT press release) and implementation now being progressed by Network Rail, though project is still in its early stages.
Passenger Information System (either remote tannoy announcements, display screens or a Help Point)
Currently no means of obtaining train running information in afternoons, evenings or Sundays (when station is unstaffed). This creates a bad customer experience if there is disruption or late running and loses passengers from rail travel for ever. It is also dangerous as passengers can move to platform edge as a train approaches expecting it to stop, whereas it could be an earlier train that is running late.
David Franks MD of National Express Trains has agreed to take up the issue with Northern Rail who are the Station Facility Operator.
Ticket Office to be open all day. (The Ticket office currently closes at 12.20 each day)
The Ticket Office also provides a waiting room and access to the toilets, opportunity for ticket sales and fare enquiries, and information in the event of disruption
Trialled by Northern Rail in summer of 2006. Business case now believed to be under consideration.
Fast Ticket machine to be installed at Morpeth (this becomes less of an issue if ticketless travel via mobile phone code, or print-at-home tickets are introduced)
Even when reduced price Advance Purchase tickets are available for sale (as may be the case up to 18.00 the day before travel), those starting their journey at Morpeth can not purchase them if there is insufficient time to post them, due to inability to pick up the tickets on departure at Morpeth
Busses to serve the station
Morpeth station is away from the town centre and busses in to town stop some way away from the station and across the main road. The station has a bus turning circle but it is not used.
Greater bus / rail integration is needed to increase the take up of public transport. If you have to drive to the station, many will choose to drive all the way.
Bus companies say they will consider this after road improvements are made to the Coopies Lane / Shields Road Junction. The junction improvements are now being progressed by Northumberland County Council. Meanwhile, SENRUG has suggested the Council uses the fact that the Council subsidises bus route X44 to arrange with the operator for this route to serve the station.
