WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff has been appointed to conduct a study on potential improvements to train stations in South Yorkshire, as part of efforts to 'access new funding streams'.
Working on behalf of the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), the professional services consultancy will identify the scope of facility upgrades required to improve customers' experience.
The study will look at 22 stations in the Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster districts, and identify options for a wide variety of improvements including lifts, access ramps, lighting, shelters, commercial spaces and car parks.
Sheffield in South Yorkshire
Karen Poole, rail project manager at WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff said: ‘With the Government committing millions of pounds to improving our rail infrastructure in the North, we’re anticipating that thousands more people will choose to travel by train in the near future.
'The study represents the first step in accessing new funding streams which could facilitate significant improvement of train station facilities across South Yorkshire.’
She added: ‘Our team will add expert insight to the study by taking into account the feasibility of any upgrades, while looking at a whole range of factors including cost, deliverability timescales, benefits to customer and crucially, access to funding that will allow these improvements to be realised.
'We are delighted to be working with SYPTE to help them tap into funding streams presented by the new franchise, and I’m sure we’ll see more local authorities follow suit over the coming months.’
WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff will submit its findings to SYPTE in May. A spokesperson for SYPTE told Transport Network that it would then seek funding from sources such as National Rail’s £60m Station Commercial Project Facility or its £150m National Stations Improvement Programme.
Once any funding is obtained, improvements might be carried out by SYPTE, Network Rail or the relevant train operating company.
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