Will Cambridge be named ‘Station of the Year’?

Will Cambridge be named ‘Station of the Year’?

Cambridge rail station has been shortlisted to be crowned ‘Station of the Year’ at the National Rail Awards.

The station has recently undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment with a wide range of improvements including a complete refurbishment of the existing ticket hall which has seen it double in size, creating more space during busy periods, open plan counter service, additional ticket vending machines and improvements to the customer information screens.

In addition, the waiting rooms have been redecorated and new toilet facilities built, including a new disabled access toilet with baby change facility. A state of the art cycle parking facility was also opened at the station.

At the same time, the new Station Square, built by developer, Brookgate, which surrounds the station has provided station users with a range of quality food and retail options and a new Ibis hotel, creating opportunities to eat, drink, shop and socialise.

Last year, the station won the Station of the Year award at the National Cycle-Rail awards for its 3000 space, three storey CyclePoint facility which more than tripled the cycle parking capacity at the station.

Paul Stannard, Greater Anglia’s Area Customer Service Manager for Cambridge said, “I’m delighted that Cambridge has been shortlisted to be named Station of the Year. The work that has been done here has transformed the station and its surroundings, and has helped to ease congestion, making our customers’ lives a little easier when they travel with us.”

Cambridge station is one of the busiest stations on Greater Anglia’s West Anglia network and accommodates some 4.4 million passengers annually.

Also shortlisted is Ipswich Station and Greater Anglia train driver, Stuart Connell, who is nominated for the Outstanding Personal Contribution Award.

Stuart was hailed a hero last year when he put the safety of his passengers above his own after the train he was driving collided with a tractor at a level crossing.

Travelling at 87mph, Stuart saw a tractor pull out on a level crossing ahead of him and had seconds to act. Despite being in imminent danger himself, Stuart put the safety of his passengers and the tractor driver above his own, ducked down and pulled the emergency brake, before warning passengers. Stuart and then kept his hand firmly down on the warning horn up to and including the point of impact, which resulted in him sustaining a nasty injury to his hand.

The trailer separated from the tractor and struck the side of the train several times. Stuart’s quick thinking, speedy reactions and unselfish actions prevented a derailment and undoubtedly reduced the number of injuries sustained by all on board the train and the tractor.

Although he was badly injured in the collision and in shock, having avoided a derailment Stuart continued his duties, walking the train to reassure and look after the 135 passengers, who later called him a 'hero'.

Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, Jamie Burles, said of Stuart’s nomination: “Stuart demonstrated a unique ability to put others’ safety before his own. He is a professional through and through and understands his responsibility as a driver is to ensure the safety of his passengers. His dedication to his role really shone through and he prides himself on doing his job to the best of his ability.

“His professionalism and dedication to the role was further demonstrated when he returned to work at the earliest opportunity, despite his injuries preventing him from driving.”