THIRTEEN Chippenham volunteers braved the bitterly cold weather and the snow to complete the user survey at Chippenham Station over four days last week.
The volunteers recorded 6,721 passenger entries and exits at the station, plus 197 passenger surveys were returned with valuable information about destinations and priorities for improvement.
The survey result has been collated and summarised by TransWilts and a report has been submitted to GWR, which will be used to input into its station design process during February and March.
The survey revealed an unexpectedly high usage of the northern access to the station and high volumes of passengers using the new
pedestrian bridge platform entrance.
GWR is reimbursing the expenses incurred by TransWilts in carrying out the survey.
Paul Johnson, chairman of TransWilts said: “We are proud of our dedicated group of volunteers who delivered an excellent survey despite the wintery conditions.
“The survey result means we are able to provide comprehensive data on passenger flows and transport modes to and from the station.
“In consequence, with the input from passengers, we have been able to inform GWR on our views on the future design priorities for Chippenham Station.”
TransWilts will be sharing the results and conclusions of the survey at the next Chippenham Rail User Group meeting on April 11, from 7pm at the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity building in Market Place.
The information will be used by rail company GWR as it puts together design proposals to upgrade the station and transform the square in front.
This would be part of the wider regeneration of the area, to improve integration with other transport links and to make rail travel more inclusive for vulnerable users.
GWR wants to make the forecourt safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and to encourage greater use of public transport, while recognising the station’s heritage value as one of the earliest on the line.
Ideas so far include introducing real-time transport information displays, way-finding signage, marked walking routes and an upgrade of the area in the middle of the square to make it an attractive waiting area.
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