station travel plan for london victoria

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Station Travel Plan for London Victoria

AREA/ROUTE: Sussex

ISSUE NUMBER: 1

DATE ISSUED: March 2013

AUTHORISED BY: David Chewter

DUE FOR REVIEW ON: September 2013


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1. Foreword from Network Rail

Millions of people use the nations railway stations every day. Their effective integrationwith local communities and other modes of transport improves the passengers journey aswell as supporting the economic, social and environmental benefits of rail.

Working with local partners and communities we want to increase the travel choicesavailable to passengers and continue to build a sustainable railway.

The plan described here represents the outcome of discussions with our localstakeholders. It sets out the changes we collectively want to make to improve the stationas an interchange and ultimately enhance the end-to-end journey experience forpassengers.

We look forward to working with our stakeholders to deliver real change.

Robin GisbyManaging Director, Network Operations

2. Introduction

2.1. The Station Travel Plan Programme

Network Rail is committed to improving the customer experience at managed stations,including the options for onward travel and integration with other modes of publictransport and walking and cycling. The DfTs Delivering a Sustainable Railway WhitePaper (2007) demonstrates support for introducing travel plans to stations, and thisStation Travel Plan contains several objectives and actions that will help achieve theNetwork Rail objective.

2.2. Network Rail Objective and aims

Network Rail has produced an overarching objective statement and several aims for theStation Travel Plan programme.

Objective:

To work with stakeholders to improve the transport options to and from our ManagedStations to support increased sustainability and satisfaction of our stations and the railnetwork

Aims:

Improve the transport options for all passengers using Network Rail managedstations Improve the sustainability of Network Rail managed stations Improve passenger and customer satisfaction levels for Network Rail managedstations Increased revenue and value for money through improvements in the stationenvironment Provide a common voice for communication of the station travel plan objectives tostation users

The objectives and actions produced for this Station Travel Plan will help Network Rail

achieve these aims and objectives.


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Londons transport system should excel among those of world cities, providing access toopportunities for all its people and enterprises, achieving the highest environmentalstandards and leading the world in its approach to tackling urban transport challenges ofthe 21st century.

The MTS outlines six goals based on the overall vision for the capital:

1. Support economic development and population growth2. Enhance the quality of life for all Londoners3. Improve the safety and security of all Londoners4. Improve transport opportunities for all Londoners5. Reduce transports contribution to climate change and improve its resilience6. Support delivery of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and itsLegacy

Broadly the strategy seeks to improve transport capacity and quality in order for Londonto remain a prominent city in the new world economic structure over the next 20 years. Atthe same time, the mayor actively promotes healthier alternatives, including walking andcycling as they are more environmentally sustainable.

Objectives from Local Implementation Plan:

Reduce the expected wait time (EWT) for buses in Westminster from 1.2 minutes in2009/10 to 1.1minute by 2013/14; however the key concern to be managed isredevelopment work in Victoria and the impact to bus stop facilities in the area.

Reduce the number of road traffic deaths and serious injuries from 284 (2006-08) to171 (2018-20). The council will need to resource this through engineering,enforcement and educational interventions. This requires liaising with the contractorsto ensure that roads are safe; communication with law enforcement departments toact prevent road users acting irresponsibly. Educational interventions giving lessonson road safety; this would involve cycling and lorry awareness lessons within the local

community.

Increase the proportion of trips made by walking. Westminster is currently 5thin the

ranking in comparison to other boroughs. To encourage more walking, 500,000 ofLIP funding has been spent to expand the Legible London way finding scheme.

Increase the proportion of trips made by cycling. Cycling currently accounts for 2.8%of all trips in Westminster, TfLs guidance of 5% is the objective set to be achieved byall London Boroughs by 2026.

Reduce CO2 emission by 60% by 2025 (from a 1990 base) across transport, hosingand industry. Within transport measures to achieve this will include investing in moreenvironmental bus fleets, encouraging environmental friendly cars and use of carclubs, implement more electric vehicle charging points.

Improve accessibility and reduce DDA complaints about non compliant bus stops.Currently less than 50% of bus stops in Westminster area are DDA compliant. In linewith the MTS of making Londons transport more accessible for all Westminster willaim to have over 60% of bus stops compliant by 2013/14.

3.3. Planned Schemes

The goals and objectives can be achieved through a variety of policy changes andinvestment. Some of the main priorities, which are in line with the six goals from the MTSare:


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Transforming the tube- many of the tube lines suffer from over crowding during thepeaks hours in particular. TfL has been investing in improving trains, platforms andstations to improve capacity, quality and frequency. The delivery of major projects suchas Crossrail and Victoria Station Upgrade give rise to a number of issues, such asmanaging the impact of construction activities in terms of disruption and health andsafety, and ensuring that the public realm around stations can cope with onward travel

movements at street level.

Enhancing Rail- investment in existing and new routes including Cross rail project.

The Cycling Revolution- encouraging more people to cycle as part of their dailycommute or for leisure purposes. This has been implemented through various schemesincluding Barclay cycle hire scheme, cycle superhighways, cycle parking, and provision ofcycling instructors. Westminster has the largest number of docking stations out of all theauthorities currently involved in the scheme, which operates across Zone 1 of centralLondon. This allows anyone who is signed up to the scheme access to a bicycle in thisarea at relatively low cost.

Making walking count- promoting walking through key walking routes and consistentway finding (such as Legible London). In addition to this new developments within Londonwill be planned in a way that increases the attractiveness of walking and cycling.

Improving London Buses- improving the frequency of services, increased securitythrough CCTV, and better information/timetable boards.

Better Information- This allows customers to be able to make informed decisions, planroutes and look at alternative modes of transport. Online resources including TfL andNational Rails journey planner in addition to apps for smart phone/tablets make it moreaccessible for customers to obtain up to date travel information.

Victoria Station Upgrade

Victoria Underground is undergoing majorupgrade works, under TfLs investmentstrategy to transform the Tube. Whencomplete, the VSU project will increase thesize of the station by 50 per cent, with a newticket hall.

Above Cardinal Place proposed entrance

Improvements to Victoria Underground Station will include:

A new North ticket hall at the Junction of Bressenden Place and Victoria Street, with astreet level entrance Expansion of existing South ticket Hall 9 new escalators New lifts providing step free access and improved access between National Rail Stationand tube platforms

Impact on Victoria Station:

Creation of a new access / egress point for the station at the existing Wilton Road Bootsunit (open June 2012) Widening of existing Sussex Stair into LU station from NR concourse (open June 2012)

Closure of Victoria Arch (closed from September 2012 until November 2014) Closure of the Beach (closed from September 2012 to June 2017)


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Benefits to Victoria station:

Improve the interchange capacity between the LU and NR station via Sussex Stair Reduces risk of LU station closing in turn reducing risk of exit / entrance to NR stationbeing congested Redevelopment of The Beach

4. Station Characteristics

The station was originally built in two parts, the Eastern side with services to Kent, andthe Western side with services to Surrey and Sussex, including Gatwick Airport andBrighton. In June 2011, the 35 million station roof renewal project was completed on theEastern side. This will prolong the life of the 146-year-old Grade II listed structure, andhas created a light airy feel to the eastern side of the station.

4.1. Station Location

Victoria Station is located in central London, travel card zone 1. Nearby attractionsinclude Westminster, Parliament Square, London Eye, Buckingham Palace and TrafalgarSquare. The geographical setting contributes to the high levels of tourist passengers.

4.2. About the Station

Approximate annual footfall for London Victoria is 137million; it is the second busiestLondon terminus. The station is also used by passengers travelling to Gatwick Airport, totake domestic and international flights. Nearby is the Green line bus station and VictoriaCoach Station which is the main coach station in London providing domestic andInternational coach travel.

4.3. Use of the Station

On behalf of Network Rail, surveys were conducted at Victoria station in April 2012. Atotal of 263 people were interviewed; from this research the following was identified:

Current travel behaviour

The majority of journeys are taken for leisure purposes or as part of a daily commute towork.

Repeat use of Victoria Station is high, with commuter travel driving up the overall

frequency of use. More than half of all station users are at Victoria at least once a week.

The bulk of journeys taken to / from Victoria are less than two hours in duration,consistent across all traveller type.

Party size is very much influenced by travel purpose, with the majority of commutersand business travellers making solo journeys.

Connectivity

Nearly all journeys to Victoria are made by public transport, mainly underground.National rail is most frequently used to travel onward from the station. Around a quarter ofcommuters and business travellers walk either to or from the station. Similar numbers of

leisure travellers use a bus / coach.


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Ratings for public transport connections are positive, which is encouraging given highuse at Victoria.

Just under a fifth of travellers would consider using an alternative mode of transport totravel to / from Victoria, with no significant variation by traveller type.

Sustainable transport alternatives are most likely to be considered, particularly buses /coaches, the underground and national rail.

Improved access would help encourage use of alternative transport. Travellers state thattheir preferred alternative is not available (23%) or that better connection timings areneeded (22%). Discounted fares are also a popular incentive among those willing toconsider alternative transport (17%).

The interviews that were conducted in April 2012 identified the passenger make up:

Nearly all journeys to the station are by public transport. 50% travel to Victoria station by tubeand 76% of people that arrive at Victoria continue there journeys by tube. Walking to thestation is more common for business/commuter customers, whereas coach is the mostpopular means of transport for leisure customers travelling onwards from Victoria.

5. Station Access and Facilities

5.1. Access to the station

Below are the entry/ exit points for customers at Victoria Station.

Grouping %*

Commuter 34

Business 24

Leisure 40


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Key for the entry/exit points

Exit/

EntryNo.

Exit/Entry Name

1 Hudsons Place

2 Wilton Road

2A Boots Entrance

3 Eastern Archway(Closed)

4 Kent Gate (scissorgate formally know asBTP gate)

5 Sussex Passageway(formally known asLUL passageway)

6 Night Gate

7 Western Passage8 Sparrows Corner9 Raft/ Gatwick

Express


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No. 1 Hudsons Place (for Passport No. 2 Wilton Road (Apollo VictoriaTheatre)

Office, taxi rank, disabled drop off point)

No. 2A Boots (main entrance/exit;also leads onto Wilton Road) No. 4 Kent Gate

Passageway(Access toUnderground)

No. 6 Night

No. 5 Sussex Passageway No.6 Night Gate


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No. 7 Western Passage No. 8 Sparrows Corner (exit for CoachStation)

No. 9 Gatwick Express Gatwick Express Up EscalatorDown Escalator

* The Eastern Archway was closed in September 2012 due to the VSU project. TheEastern Archway Gate Warden Box has been transferred to the new Boots Entrance2A.

The Eastern side of the station, where Southeastern services arrive/depart is closed between00:35 and 04:00. Access to the central side, where Gatwick Express and Southern Servicesarrive/depart is only permitted through the night gate (exit 6). Between 01:00 and 03:45 thegates are open for 15 minutes at xx:45 of each our.


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Terminus Place (Front of Victoria Station)

Victoria Bid has an information pod with staff based outside it to direct and assist withcustomer queries. The staffs are very knowledgeable of the local area and popular touristdestinations. London tour buses can also be found here. Opposite is the bus station forLondon buses and an information booth where customer can get bus leaflets/ guides and up

to date bus information.

Entrance 2A

New entrance created where Boots was previously located, to compensate for the closure ofthe Eastern archway due to Victoria station upgrade works.


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5.2. Station Facilities

Toilets

The station has toilets located adjacent to platform one and on the Central Concourse.

Accessible toilets with baby changing facilities can be found opposite station receptionand on the central concourse area.

Left Luggage

The station has facilities where excess baggage can be left at the station; left luggage islocated between platforms 7 and 8. For more information call 0207 963 0957.

Cash and Bureau de Change

There are ATMs located on both concourses, and a bureau de change near theBuckingham Palace Road exit.

Telephones

There are telephones located on the eastern and central concourses, Sparrows cornerexit, , Sussex Passageway to Underground.

Car hire

Sixtand Streetcarhave branches in the car park.

Commercial Units

Victoria station is home to 68 commercial units; including catering, tourist/travel

information, coffee shops, and retailer units.

Station map with all retail units are located on the Network Rail Victoria page, under thestation map link. http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/947.aspx

5.3. Facilities for Mobility Impaired Passengers

Step-free access:Hudson Place, Victoria St, Grosvenor Gardens, Terminus Place andWilton Rd. Access to and from Victoria Place shopping centre is via a lift connectingplatform 13/14 to the car park.

London Victoria Station provides mobility support; including ramps, wheelchairs, buggies

and a dedicated customer service assistance team between the hours of 07:00 21:00.For optimal service without delay customers are advised to book in advance.

Currently access to Victoria underground is not step-free, but is in the process of re-development by TfLs Victoria Station Upgrade project (VSU). The project is underwayand is expected to be completed by late 2017. This investment will create a morespacious booking hall area and a lift, making the station more user friendly for all.

6. Transport and Travel Connections

6.1. Rail Service
http://www.sixt.co.uk/http://www.streetcar.co.uk/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/947.aspxhttp://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/947.aspxhttp://www.streetcar.co.uk/http://www.sixt.co.uk/


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There are two Train Operating Companies (TOCs) that serve London Victoria,Southeastern and Southern. Southeastern trains serve south east London to Kent, andEast Sussex. Southern provide train services for commuters, airport users, businesstravelers and leisure travelers in south London, between central London and the Southcoast, through East and West Sussex, Surrey and parts of Kent and Hampshire. Gatwickexpress provide a fast and frequent service to Gatwick Airport; the non-stop journey time

is 30 minutes (35 minutes on Sundays), with trains leaving every 15 minutes. GatwickExpress services between Monday and Sunday; the first trains depart Victoria at 03:30,04:30. From 05:00 to 23:45 there is a service running every 15 minutes. The last trainleaves at 00:32.6.2. Public Transport Connections

Victoria is located in the centre of London and has very good connections to other meansof public transport, including Victoria Underground Station, Victoria Coach station,London Buses and a Taxi rank located outside the station.

Victoria tube station-serves the Victoria, District and Circle line services

Victoria coach station-approximately 5 minutes walks along Buckingham PalaceRoad

Greenline buses- coaches to Luton airport, Winsor and Lego land

London Buses buses serving North, South, East and West London. Combination ofboth day and night buses.

Bus Stop Map


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6.3. Walking and Cycling Connections

There are cycle racks on platforms 7/8, 17/18, and outside Hudsons Place. All aremonitored by CCTV.

For all existing and proposed cycling superhighways, routes, maps and information about

booking cycling lessons in the Westminster, more information can be found onhttps://web.barclayscyclehire.tfl.gov.uk/maps.
https://web.barclayscyclehire.tfl.gov.uk/mapshttps://web.barclayscyclehire.tfl.gov.uk/maps


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6.4. Car Parking

Victoria Station has a large parking facility on Eccleston Bridge Rd (access via BridgePlace, Belgrave Road or Bullied Way).This is also used as the drop off/pick up point,there is no change providing the driver remains in the vehicle. Currently, the station is inthe process of installing a car wash facility, which will be located in the raft car park. The

parking rates are competitive in comparison to neighbouring car park. For all parkingrates visit: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/9530.aspx

Cars cannot enter Terminus Place.

6.5. Taxis

There are two taxi ranks; the first which has recently been re-located from TerminusPlace to Hudsons Place (exit by platforms 2), due to TfLs Victoria Underground Stationupgrade (VSU Project). The second is located upstairs at the Plaza (exit in Victoria Place)for Gatwick express. All taxis are wheelchair accessible.

7. Key Issues

The following key issues have been identified and highlighted by surveys and stakeholdermembers.

a) Problems accessing new taxi rank at Hudsons Placeb) Lack of information and assistance for unbooked Mobility Impaired

Passengersc) Insufficient cycle parking facilities and inappropriate location of cycle racksd) No facilities for electric car charginge) Lack of signage immediately outside sparrows corner exit (on Buckingham

Palace road) to Coach stationf) Lack of facilities for underground travel information, particularly on Central

side of station

8. Objectives and Indicators

OBJECTIVES SETTING

STATION: London Victoria

CONTACT: David Chewter

HIGH LEVELOBJECTIVES

SMART OBJECTIVES (bracketsdenote reference number)

Indicator (how objective will bemeasured)

(1) VSU meetings to be heldmonthly Satisfaction of stakeholdersFacilitate the

new Taxi RankArea (2) Implement separate night rank

by June 2013.Improved customer satisfactionregarding connections.

(3) Obtain quote and Submit DRIPapplication by end November 12.

Reduce delays caused tocustomers

Improve thecommunication/information to assistcustomers requiringmobility assistance (4) Installation of 10 help points onplatforms by June 13. Customer satisfaction
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/9530.aspxhttp://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/9530.aspx


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ImproveSignage toGatwick Express

(5) Obtain Quote for floor vinyls, andimplantation by June 2013 Customer satisfaction

ImproveUndergroundinformation

provision

(6) Implement information stand on

central side by June 2013

Improve customer satisfactionregarding travel information

provisionImprove nightaccessibility toGatwick Express

(7) Implement new opening hours toGatwick Express Raft entrance byJune 2013. Gatwick barrier entranceopen and close time to reflect first andlast train (close between 00:45-03:00)

Improve customer satisfactionregarding accessibility

9. Proposed Measures

Mobility Assistance Information Points:

Discussions with key stakeholders (TOCs) identified customer concerns about moreaccessible ways to contact customer assistants. As an outcome, a proposed measure to helpeliminate this problem was to introduce mobility assistance help points on platforms. Thismeasure would allow customers will mobility call for assistance without having to travel alengthy distance. The application will be submitted to DRIP fund team, who will assess therequest.

For more information or specific details, see the Action Plan Template below.


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STATION:VictoriaStation

TIME

TYPE

INDEXNO.

DESCRIPTION

SMART

OBJECTIVE

IMPACT

OWNER

DEAD

LINE

RISK

PRIORITY

S1

ImproveSignage

Getquote

andforfloor

vinylsand

implement

byJune2013

High

NR

06/13

Low

Medium

S1.1

Improvesignageto

GatwickExpress

S2

Improveinformation

provision

Leasewith

LULto

provide

information

standand

staff.

High

LUL

06/13

Low

Medium

SOFT

S2.1

Improveinformation

provid

edforcustomers

requiringunderground

Implement

information

pointby

June2013

H1

Mobilityhelppoints

Submit

quoteto

DRIPby

Nov2012

High

NR

06/13

Low

Medium

(complete)

H1.1

Helpp

ointsthatallow

custom

erstocallfor

mobili

tyassistance

Installation

of10help

pointsby

June2013

SHORT

TERM

(Upto12

months)

HARD


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S100

Facilitatenewtaxirank

Assess

optimal

solutionto

nighttaxi

rankby

June2013

High

VSU

project

06/13

Low

High

SOFT

S100

.1

Leasewithstakeholders

atmon

thlyVSU

meetin

gs

H10

0

Cycleracks

Assess

possible

parking

locationsoff

platforms

byJune2013

High

NR

06/13

Low

High

H10

0.1

Improvecycleparking

onstation

H10

1

Electricvehiclecharging

Assess

feasibility

implementi

ngcharging

pointinraft

carparkby

June2013

High

11/13

Low

Medium

MEDIUM

/

LONG

TERM

(>12

months)

HARD

H10

1.1

Encouragemore

enviro

nmentally

friendlycarsby

facilita

tingcharging

points


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10. Monitoring and Review

The station travel plan will be monitored with the involvement of all key stakeholders atLondon Victoria station. The relevant stakeholders including BTP, LUL, Southeatsern,Southern will be informed and invited to any steering groups regarding the station travel plan.

The station travel plan will be monitored, reviewed and co-ordinated in relation to VictoriasNational Passenger Survey workshop. The station travel plan will be monitored regularly andthe steering group will meet 6 monthly to review it. Is will be monitored against both theNational Passenger survey and Network Rail Corporate Responsibility reports.

station travel plan for london victoria

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