Network Rail says travel safer and quicker at Paddington Station

Swindon's many commuters to London are among travellers benefiting from improvements at Paddington.

Network Rail has opened a new entrance/exit this week as part of a commitment to keep passengers travelling safely. 

The organisation says the change will improve the flow of passengers, reduce travelling time through the station and help maintain social distancing.

The new access is located near platform one, next to Sainsbury’s and the ticket office, and opens onto Eastbourne Terrace, where new paving has been laid and CCTV has also been installed.

There have been no entrances or exits on that side of the station since 2011, when it was was closed to allow construction work for Crossrail to take place.

The opening follows several other measures introduced at the station to ensure passengers can travel safely this summer and beyond. This includes one-way systems, floor markings to help people keep a safe distance from each other, hand sanitising stations, spaced seating areas and an enhanced cleaning regime.

Vending machines have also been installed, allowing passengers to get face coverings, hand sanitisers, gloves and anti-bacterial wipes.

Mustaq Haji, Network Rail’s London Paddington’s station manager, said: “Keeping passengers safe and improving their journey has always been our priority.

“Since the outbreak of the virus we have been working non-stop to ensure every possible measure is in place to help keep people at the station socially distanced and safe at all times.

“Getting this new entrance open is a huge part of that commitment and it will transform travel particularly for those travelling from the south and west of the station.”