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Ashford International crowned station of the year
Ashford International Station has scooped a top national award for improving cycling provision. Ashford was crowned the Station of the Year at the National Cycle Rail Awards 2010 held at the House of Commons on the 3rd February.
Judges were highly impressed how Southeastern and it partners, Kent County Council and Ashford’s Future, had delivered a massive increase in the availability of cycle parking at the station and their determination to press ahead and introduce even more capacity. Parking provision is on target to increase by 150 percent.
Another aspect of Ashford’s approach that swayed the judging panel was improvements to security with the introduction of a new secure cycle compound for 70 cycles that includes a new swipe card entry system.
Working in partnership with Kent County Council and Ashford’s Future as part of the Ashford station travel plan, cyclists have also benefited from a more co-ordinated approach to their commuting experience, with improved cycle and walking routes and better links with the local cycle network.
The judges said: “Ashford’s focus on increasing cycle parking capacity, ensuring security and determined efforts to improve cycling and promote more sustainable travel options for commuters, meant their bid was a clear cut winner.”
The Ashford station travel plan was launched last May 2009 with more than 600
Personalised travel plans were rolled out in June last year with almost 80 per cent rating the initiative as “very helpful” or “helpful”. Of those polled, nearly half (43 per cent) said they would be interested in participating and finding out more about a cycle hire scheme at the station.
Judith Armitt, Managing Director for Ashford’s Future, said: “We are delighted Ashford International has been named Station of the Year. As the town and population grow it is important we encourage people to use more sustainable modes of transport to reach the station. By increasing cycle parking at the station by 150% we have shown our commitment to making it easier for people to travel to the station by bike.”
Southeastern’s service delivery director, Vince Lucas, said: “Rail is already one of the most environmentally efficient ways of travelling. And we want our stations to be part of the communities they serve. So improving walking and cycling connections to Ashford station and providing secure storage for bikes helps local people make responsible choices about their journeys.”
Source: Ashford's Future / Edwards Harvey
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