Grecian 1998
Member
Which major interchange stations do you find easiest and most difficult to use?
Whilst there is a degree of 'if it quacks like a duck' with major interchanges I'd generally say they should a) have at least 4 platforms and b) are the most practical junction of 2 or more lines e.g. whilst St Denys and Severn Tunnel Junction have lines dividing and 4 platforms, they wouldn't count, as Southampton Central and Newport are the effective interchange stations for those routes. I'm also looking purely at interchange between National Rail services, so interchanges with bus, tram or underground networks can be ignored.
I find (and I'm aware others may have different priorities) that the most useful factors about an interchange in order are the availability of information, ease of getting around the station, ease of finding / working out what's going on during disruption and the facilities.
In terms of best interchanges, there are a lot of stations I find very easy to use - Sheffield, Derby, Manchester Piccadilly (admittedly I rarely have to run the platform 13-14 gauntlet), Nottingham and Cardiff Central spring to mind. All have fairly clear information available and it isn't hard to find my way around. Admittedly in the case of Manchester Piccadilly, terminal stations have the advantage that everything you need to know is available on the concourse. Exeter St Davids also seems easy to navigate although I've used it so often over the years it's difficult to be objective about it.
For worst interchanges it may seem tedious and predictable to name Birmingham New Street. Which I'm going to do anyway. The A end footbridge is useless for getting around the station if you don't want to manoeuvre repeatedly through ticket barriers. The low ceilings and walls everywhere make it difficult to see what's going on if there's disruption. The narrow platforms are difficult to navigate when it's busy (not exactly uncommon). As for the air quality? If you have time, wander into the open air at the end of the platforms, then back into the main station and you can really appreciate the pollutants.
As for other interchange stations, Gatwick Airport is pretty lousy. Dark, cramped (although this is probably inevitable) and footbridges that don't serve all platforms. I find it difficult to use as an experienced rail user; I can't imagine what first-time visitors to the UK make of it. Newport also deserves a mention for the rebuild that plonked the footbridge at the far end of the station to where most services stop, increasing interchange time.
Whilst there is a degree of 'if it quacks like a duck' with major interchanges I'd generally say they should a) have at least 4 platforms and b) are the most practical junction of 2 or more lines e.g. whilst St Denys and Severn Tunnel Junction have lines dividing and 4 platforms, they wouldn't count, as Southampton Central and Newport are the effective interchange stations for those routes. I'm also looking purely at interchange between National Rail services, so interchanges with bus, tram or underground networks can be ignored.
I find (and I'm aware others may have different priorities) that the most useful factors about an interchange in order are the availability of information, ease of getting around the station, ease of finding / working out what's going on during disruption and the facilities.
In terms of best interchanges, there are a lot of stations I find very easy to use - Sheffield, Derby, Manchester Piccadilly (admittedly I rarely have to run the platform 13-14 gauntlet), Nottingham and Cardiff Central spring to mind. All have fairly clear information available and it isn't hard to find my way around. Admittedly in the case of Manchester Piccadilly, terminal stations have the advantage that everything you need to know is available on the concourse. Exeter St Davids also seems easy to navigate although I've used it so often over the years it's difficult to be objective about it.
For worst interchanges it may seem tedious and predictable to name Birmingham New Street. Which I'm going to do anyway. The A end footbridge is useless for getting around the station if you don't want to manoeuvre repeatedly through ticket barriers. The low ceilings and walls everywhere make it difficult to see what's going on if there's disruption. The narrow platforms are difficult to navigate when it's busy (not exactly uncommon). As for the air quality? If you have time, wander into the open air at the end of the platforms, then back into the main station and you can really appreciate the pollutants.
As for other interchange stations, Gatwick Airport is pretty lousy. Dark, cramped (although this is probably inevitable) and footbridges that don't serve all platforms. I find it difficult to use as an experienced rail user; I can't imagine what first-time visitors to the UK make of it. Newport also deserves a mention for the rebuild that plonked the footbridge at the far end of the station to where most services stop, increasing interchange time.