Rail industry launches new videos to help passengers better plan their journeys this festive period

Network Rail and Rail Delivery Group (RDG) have today (Tuesday, 10 December) launched new videos which will make it easier for passengers travelling this festive period to plan their journeys.  

The newly launched Visual Disruption Maps are short videos which give travellers clear information on planned changes to train services and the alternative routes which are available for them to complete their journey.  

The launch follows a trial which took place earlier this year and found that 95% of passengers rated the information in the video as useful, and 72% would use the videos if they were available. 

The videos will be used in stations, on National Rail Enquiries and on the social media accounts of Network Rail, RDG and train operating companies, and include subtitles as well as British Sign Language overlay to make them more accessible. 

The first videos to go live relate to some of the biggest projects which are taking place to improve the railway this festive period, including: 

• Improvements on the Great Western Main Line in preparation for HS2’s new Old Oak Common station near London Paddington 

• Upgrades to overhead line equipment and a bridge replacement on the Midland Main Line, as well as work to enable the introduction of East Midlands Railway’s new fleet 

• Work to upgrade the railway signalling system in and around the Crewe area 

• Renewal work at Bishopsgate tunnel and work to improve passenger experience at London Liverpool Street  

• Track renewals and signalling upgrades in the Cambridge area, as well as work for the new Cambridge South station. 

With the Christmas getaway fast approaching, passengers are being urged to plan ahead and check before travelling, with these new videos being an additional resource which people can use to help them to get from A to B. 

In September, the Department for Transport announced the establishment of Shadow Great British Railways in an effort to bring train and track closer together, and improve passenger experience. The launch of these new videos marks a key step forward in this process and exemplifies the new initiatives which are taking place to make things easier for travellers.  

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “This is exactly the kind of innovation that will significantly improve passengers’ experience on the railway, giving them the information they need to travel with confidence.

“It’s brilliant to see the industry working together to find solutions that put passengers first, providing simple, clear and transparent information to help passengers with their travels over the festive period.”

Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail said: “The work we’re doing over the festive period will help create more reliable journeys and enable key milestones in major upgrade projects to take place. 

“Whilst 95% of the railway will be open as usual, there will be significant service changes for some travellers. We want to make it easier for passengers to access the information they need for their travel plans, and the launch of the new videos is a step in the right direction.” 

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer at Rail Delivery Group, said: “We know that when customers face service changes, like delays or cancellations, they want clear and simple information about what’s happening. The new Visual Disruption Maps are designed to provide just that."

With more videos set to launch in the new year, these maps include British Sign Language and subtitles as standard, making it easier for everyone to understand service changes and alternative routes. They will help ensure passengers can travel with confidence during the festive season and beyond."