Tourists get bags of help

Modern day railway porters have been employed to help passengers after an increase in holiday makers travelling to Windermere.

 

The customer service assistants have been introduced at the First TransPennine Express station following a surge in the number of people travelling to the town.   They will help customers on and off trains with their luggage and be on-hand to answer any passenger queries. 

 

Last month saw the highest number of passengers travelling into the station since FTPE started the franchise back in 2004. More than 20,000 journeys were made, a sign that more people are choosing to travel by rail into the scenic town.

 

This summer kids can also travel free on FTPE trains and, with more children expected to travel, the new team will help parents who need an extra pair of hands.

 

Mick Elliot, Station Manager for Windermere, said: "More people are travelling to Windermere this summer which is why we have employed a customer service assistant to help out. Our Kids go free offer has also encouraged more people to travel and we want to ease the experience of travelling as much as possible."

 

Helpers have also been employed at Manchester Airport and Scarborough stations which have also seen an influx in the number of visitors.

 

Ian Stephens, Chief Executive of Cumbria Tourism, said: "It is extremely encouraging to find that journeys to this area by train have increased. This suggests a welcome trend in visitors making better use of the public transport available. For First TransPennine to then go further and enhance the welcome passengers receive by introducing modern-day railway porters, really makes the experience stand out. It is precisely the type of innovative customer care that will help build a good reputation and lead to repeat visits through recommendations to their friends and family."

 

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