South Western Railway

Today we have officially opened the ravamped customer subway at Salisbury station — one of the most important destinations on our network. To provide a more pleasant customer experience, specialists have cleaned the original Victorian subway tiles, the floor has been resurfaced and the plinths and handrails have been repainted. The subway tiles date back to 1859, when the London & South Western Railway opened a station to the south of the original Great Western Railway’s station built in 1856.  The walls of the subway have also been decorated with murals, depicting famous local sites and historic scenes, to promote travel to Salisbury and the major attractions nearby.  The subway revamp is part of a wider programme of improvements at the station, which includes the ongoing works to enhance the forecourt, due to be completed next summer. During the works, engineers have discovered a mysterious tunnel. While its origin and purpose are uncertain, we will be working with Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust to investigate. Thank you to our partners Network Rail, Railway Heritage Trust, Three Rivers CRP, Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council, English Heritage, Salisbury Cathedral, AGS One and Milestone Infrastructure for helping to bring Salisbury subway back to life.

So my team South Western Railway accepted the challenge set by The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) @cippuk to celebrate National Payroll Week and show why the team love all things payroll. Ashleigh Day and Paula Gates #ChoosePayroll and #NPW24

Now the rainbow dust has settled, I just wanted to say how proud I am of my friends and colleagues for making #southamptonpride a massive success with the preparation, enthusiasm, dedication and a massive heart from all concerned at #SWR. Each year the event grows to show the world we are very inclusive and diverse.We lead by example and believe in our journey. Bring on #2025PRIDE

I have had the most amazing day with South Western Railway and two of their top driver’s, Peter Burton (Driver) and Brian Lamb (Driver Manager) both based at the amazing Bournemouth Driver Depot. My morning started with an agreed Cab Ride in a 440 from WATERLOO STATION and, observing line speeds, getting to 100mph en route to Bournemouth Rail Station. An incredible experience with two amazing driver’s. Best wishes to everyone involved in allowing me this incredible opportunity. Our South Western Railway driver’s are all truly amazing and l am privileged to be given the opportunity to support them when the need arrises. (L > R Peter Burton, Chaplain Chris). #southwesternrailway #bournemouthdriversdepot #bournemouthdrivermanagers #railwaymission #chaplainchris

🎉 In Walton-on-Thames last week, we celebrated the completion of a new bridge, two new lifts and the widening of Platform 1, providing step-free access for the first time since the station opened in 1838. Thank you to all of our partners and stakeholders, including Network Rail, Elmbridge Borough Council, Monica Harding MP, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and Octavius Infrastructure for working with us. These investments make it easier for all customers to use the railway independently, particularly those with pushchairs, luggage, or reduced mobility — making a real difference for the communities we serve.

🚀 This morning in a sunny Walton-on-Thames, we celebrated the lift off of step-free access to the station for the first time since it opened in 1838. A huge investment secured from the Department for Transport's 'Access for All' scheme has provided a new bridge, lifts and staircases, plus the widening of platform one and new CCTV cameras. The improvements will make it easier for all customers to use the railway independently, particularly those with pushchairs, luggage, or reduced mobility. Walton-on-Thames follows Isleworth station in becoming the latest step-free station on our network, with Barnes, Motspur Park, Teddington and Stoneleigh to follow in the coming months. We know these upgrades make a massive difference for our customers and local communities, which is why we work so hard with our partners and stakeholders to deliver them. Thank you to Network Rail, Monica Harding MP, Elmbridge Borough Council, Octavius Infrastructure, and Surrey Coalition of Disabled People for working with us on this project and attending the event today.

Looking for ways to make your train journey #VeryMindful? Three in five commuters say that their journey home is essential for decompressing from work. Wellness doesn't need to end at the office, which is why we have partnered with the University of Oxford's Charles Spence to better understand how we can enhance the customer experience, beyond just getting people from A to B. We found that: 🍃 Customers who listened to nature soundscapes as part of their journey were 35% less stressed 🎧 By comparison, those who listen to music or podcasts only registered an 11% reduction in stress levels 👎 Speaking loudly on the phone, feet on seats and listening to music without earphones were some of the most common travelling bugbears that prevented a calming journey To help our customers get the most out of life, we are today announcing a new partnership with workplace wellbeing platform Unmind to launch 'Train Tracks'. 'Train Tracks' will allow customers to access a series of nature sounds in short, medium and long versions, to match the length of their journey, enhance their travel experience and support a calmer commute. Episodes are available now on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music: https://lnkd.in/eAkQrCM5

Twelve of the stations in this pay as you go with contactless roll out are on the SWR network - find out more details at: https://lnkd.in/eXgEwy8Z

There have been several events taking place in and around the Portsmouth area and on the Isle of Wight this weekend that has seen an increase in customer numbers. Myself, Luke Burgess Karolina Geceviciute Chinwe Jac N. supported our Island Line Station colleagues which saw a huge attendance of customers who came to see the worlds largest scooter rally. Mark Dunn Ross Liddell South Western Railway Paul Wade

🌈 Southampton Pride 2024 was an incredible celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion this weekend! Despite the rain, the energy was absolutely electric ⚡️, thanks to the amazing support from our wonderful volunteers across all parts of the business and the passionate community members who showed up to champion LGBTQIA+ rights. A huge shoutout to South Western Railway for being a standout Silver Sponsor this year—your commitment truly made a difference! 🙌 Special thanks to my Pride Network Committee and all its dedicated members for making this event such a success. It couldn’t have happened without you! 🌟 Much love to everyone involved—let’s keep the spirit of Pride alive every day! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 #SouthamptonPride #Pride2024 #LGBTQIA #Inclusion #Diversity #Community #Teamwork #SWRPride Sophie Mather, CIPD Assoc Leanne Illman Satvir Potiwal Suzanna Lee