The proposed closure of access to platforms will not taking place on 22 Feb as previously planned.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) had previously proposed to close access to platforms via Nottingham station’s footbridge next month to validate the findings of a recent pilot, which showed an estimated revenue loss of £80,000 — equating to an annual loss of approximately £1.1 million.
The revenue, which is ultimately the taxpayers’ and fare-paying customers’ money, was captured over a recent three-week pilot in November. Some of the most positive customer satisfaction increases of the pilot were among the disabled community that uses the station. The pilot also directly led to three customers with suicidal intentions being engaged by colleagues at the ticket gate.
To address this, a closure of the footbridge was due to commence on Saturday 22nd February but will no longer go head.
Speaking of the change, a spokesperson said: “The first short closure of the bridge laid bare the stark extent of ticketless travel taking place via the footbridge – estimated to be around £1.1 million a year.
This money belongs to the taxpayer and is vital for the railway to operate successfully, improve, and secure investment. The last closure also highlighted significant safety and security benefits, including three direct interventions to support suicidal individuals.
We recognise the importance of ensuring that our proposals effectively consider those impacted by this change. To support this, we will not be closing access to the footbridge on 22 February, and instead, will be taking additional time to engage further with the relevant stakeholders.”
As well as a review of the footbridge closure, EMR will reportedly be taking extra measures. These include installing clearer signage, running community events to help people understand their ticket options (such as digital roadshows), and carrying out a survey to assess how a closure may impact traffic on Queen’s Road. There will also be extra measures in place around platform 7.
Posted on 14 February 2025
