QUESTION: Can we have two booking office windows open please?
ANSWER: We don’t believe that there is any justification for this, especially as the Station Host who works on the concourse assists passengers with the use of the several self-service ticket machines available on the station.
QUESTION: We would like a cash machine at Warwick Parkway.
ANSWER: This is a very good idea. We have tried to find a bank that is interested in supplying a machine, but to no avail at this time. We’ll keep on trying though.
QUESTION: We are seeing delays on some southbound services in the morning.
ANSWER: Our performance team are monitoring this, although as most delays are caused by factors outside of Chiltern’s control we can’t promise a quick fix.
QUESTION: We’ve noticed some trains arrive late at Warwick Parkway in the evening.
ANSWER: There have been some problems with trains becoming delayed between Marylebone and Wembley Stadium; plus later at Ayno Junction just south of Banbury. We think Network Rail will shortly solve the problems near Wembley through some signalling changes. Ayno Junction continues to be a problem caused by late running through trains of other operators.
QUESTION: The evening trains are becoming increasingly busy. What is being done to increase the number of seats?
ANSWER: The ongoing Clubman refurbishment programme means we have one less train than usual, because at all times one set is away being refurbished. Therefore some trains are shorter than usual. Once this programme finishes early in the new year matters will improve. Further to this, we are looking at options to provide extra capacity. Our Clubman trains are no longer in production, so we are looking hard at other ways to acquire extra capacity.
QUESTION: Your staff are great. I like the personal touch.
ANSWER: Thank you. Recently two of our staff, one from Warwick Parkway and one from Banbury, were nominated for National Outstanding Achievement Awards.
QUESTION: The cost of parking is too high. Please do not increase!
ANSWER: The cost of parking at Warwick Parkway is already cheaper than the similar Birmingham International Station (£5 peak or £2.20 off peak v £6 at Birmingham International).
QUESTION: The air conditioning on trains is not consistent. A number have been too cold recently.
ANSWER: Historically this has been problem, but we’ve not had many comments to that affect throughout the summer. We’ll pass it onto the engineering team.
QUESTION: The mobile coaches / quiet zones are not properly enforced.
ANSWER: Staff are briefed to enforce quiet coaches, which are very well sign posted.
QUESTION: We would like catering on more trains.
ANSWER: Unfortunately our catering service (as with most train companies) operates at a large loss. We are able to supply it on peak services, where the high ticket price part subsidises the loss. However on off peak services, our very low fares preclude this.
QUESTION: Could you reduce journey times – especially after the re-signalling currently taking place in the area?
ANSWER: The re-signalling scheme in itself won’t allow for quicker journey times. However we are working hard with other train operators and Network Rail to seek ways of offering a faster service.
QUESTION: Parking is become a problem. The car park is frequently full mid-week.
ANSWER: We are aware that car parks along the line are much busier than they used to be. This is a problem we intend to resolve but there are few short term solutions.
QUESTION: Your departure screens can show southbound services late but they arrive on time.
ANSWER: The Departure Screens supply information based upon the last “up date point”. If a train makes up time between the station and the up date point then this can happen sometimes.
QUESTION: This is a wonderful station. I used to travel regularly from Evesham.
ANSWER: Thank you. It’s a great compliment to think that people travel from so far away to use Warwick Parkway.
QUESTION: Could the security guard offer to escort lady passengers to their cars at night?
ANSWER: If you ask, they’ll be happy to help.
