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Northern's
Ticket Machines get smartER
NORTHERN Rail, a Serco and
Abellio joint venture, in a rail industry first, has unveiled
customer information facilities on Ticket Vending Machines around
its network.
The cutting edge technology has been rolled out on 92 machines with
smaller, rural stations benefitting first.
The new software, provided by Parkeon, allows customers to not only
purchase their tickets at the machine, but to also find out what time
the next train will arrive and at which platform.
Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Northern Rail, comments:-
"Embracing this new technology has made our Ticket Vending Machines
even more customer-friendly. Passengers at a number of our smaller
stations don't have access to physical Customer Information Screens
and it can be difficult for them to access the most up to date train
running information. We know how important this is to them and we're
now offering even more ways to keep informed."
Paul Moirano, Sales Director, UK Rail for Parkeon comments:-
"We are delighted to be working with Northern Rail on what is a
'first' for the UK rail industry. Delivering train running
information via TVMs at the point of ticket purchase is fully
aligned with the government's vision for service innovations that
enhance the experience of customers."
Job success for
100 transport trainees
MERSEYTRAVEL'S Employment
and Skills Team has reached the milestone of helping 100 people into
employment in the transport sector.
Lyndsey Stuart (37) from Croxteth, Liverpool is the 100th person to
secure employment through Merseytravel's Local Sustainable Transport
Fund (LSTF). Lyndsey applied for the bus driving academy with Huyton
Travel Ltd. and has since successfully secured employment as a bus
driver.
Lyndsey explained:- "I had to give up my job as a medical
dispenser when my eldest daughter Megan was diagnosed with Crohn's
disease. I was unemployed for 5 years and was her sole carer. When
Megan eventually turned 16 and my other two children were in school
I decided I needed to find a job.
I attended a Jobs Fair at St Georges Hall and the Merseytravel team
were promoting bus driver opportunities. I thought why not! I had
nothing to lose."
Funded through the LSTF, Merseytravel's Employment and Skills team
offer careers advice to people who want to work in public transport
but may not have the skills or experience to successfully compete
for jobs. The team works with colleges and learning providers to
help people gain the skills and qualifications they do need.
Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel said:- "One
hundred people into work is a real milestone and one of which
Merseytravel and the people in employment can be proud.
Getting workers, residents and visitors around our region
efficiently and experiencing good customer service is just as
integral to its success as the attractions, shops and places to eat
and stay. We will continue to work with operators and education and
training providers across Merseyside to give more local people the
chance to kick start their careers."
Huyton Travel Ltd Operations Manager Darren Stewart added:-
"Lyndsey stood out from the start and ticked all the boxes, she has
a really positive attitude and that's what this sector needs. We
would strongly encourage women to apply for these academies as
females are under represented in this type of industry.
Without this training we wouldn't get the quality of people we have
been getting and consequently wouldn't have as many of our buses up
and running on Merseyside which could impact on the community."
Other people helped by the Employment and Skills team are now
employed in such roles as taxi drivers, bike mechanics, railway
maintenance and travel trainers.
For more information on the careers advice and opportunities
available visit their
website
or send them an
email.
The project is a partnership with Job Centre Plus and other
recruitment providers, Warrington Collegiate, Oldham College, Arriva
North West, Stagecoach, Arriva, Huyton Travel Limited. UK Railway
Training and Seascope Maritime Training. |
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Woodvale
Transport Festival promises you an affordable weekend for all the
family!
NEXT month's Woodvale Transport Festival
promises to offer a fun filled, value for money weekend for all.
With recent research revealing that families are being priced out of
day trips with costs mounting over the last decade, the festival on
21 June and 22 June 2014, offers an affordable weekend of
entertainment. But even more good news is to come as the event
offers you free parking will once again be at Princes Park, where
admission tickets will also be sold.
So we have some good news for you, as admission to this event is
just £5 for adults and £2 for children and the best news is that
those under 6 admitted free, the festival at Victoria Park, then
offers most of it's attractions free of charge!
The Banana Brain Fun Show will provide free balloon modeling, circus
skills workshops where youngsters can try their hand at stilt
walking, plate spinning and much more as well as Punch and Judy
shows on both days.
The ABC Family Club will give mum and dad the chance to have a look
around the rest of the show by providing a variety of free
activities including a craft and creation station, hook the duck and
much more.
Diana Celine Photography will also be offering free mini photo
shoots with everyone at the event receiving a digital image free of
charge as well as the chance to win an ABC hamper full of goodies.
The ever-popular Crazy Bears are back this year and celebrating
their 25th anniversary with 2 action packed shows, each one
different and lasting over 40 minutes. All 6 Crazy Bears will be on
stage with their magic and illusion shows.
Laurel and Hardy look-a-likes will also be spotted around the
showground performing magic tricks and an 8ft stilt walker will also
be happy to make balloon models.
There is also a larger animal petting area, a reptile marquee, dog
display team, free land train and many dance displays on both days.
International motorcycle stunt rider Steve Colley will also thrill
the crowds with 2 stunt filled shows.
Peter Wood, general manager, said:- "We are aware that days
out with the family can be very costly so we have made sure that the
festival has more free attractions than ever before to entertain all
members of the family."
Members of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, the infantry regiment
of the North West, together with 156 The Royal Logistics Corps
transport regiment, will be on the showground and camping out on
both days.
They will be on hand to talk about life in the Army and to offer
advice on career opportunities. They will also have a display of
vehicles, equipment, kit and an exhibition of decommissioned arms
seized during recent conflicts
Merseyside Fire and Rescue, which has a 180 year history of
firefighting, will also be attending the show with a museum
displaying pictures, equipment, clothing, a water shoot, fire
engines and other memorabilia.
Other displays include vintage and classic cars, motorcycle clubs,
vintage and classic motorcycles, stationary engines and military
vehicles.
And should the weather turn wet there are many undercover areas
including craft, specialty food, auto jumble, car boot, model boats
and railway and auto jumble marquees.
There is also a flea market that
has proved so successful that traders have required extra space.
Live bands will also be performing throughout the weekend. There is
also a picnic area, bar and dogs are allowed.
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