Case Studies

Safety – looking after the public and staff

Southern recently won two prizes at the Railway Industry Innovation Awards. The first was for Eyewitness, an innovative crime fighting tool supported by Rail Neighbourhood Officers which encourages staff to discreetly report anti-social behaviour via their smart phone or PC. The judges commented that in addition to all the obvious deterrents such as CCTV, Southern was using the eyes and ears of people that are out on the railway, along with modern methods of communication, to improve safety and security on the railway.

Environment – best industry practice

The Oxford Bus Company became the first park and ride operator in the UK to run green electric hybrid buses in May when it replaced its current fleet with 17 double deckers at a cost of £5.1m. The new fleet operates on Oxford's three park and ride routes; the government supplied £1.3m of the costs through its Green Bus Fund.

Managing director Philip Kirk said: "If people travel in one of the new buses they are making a major contribution to the city's environment. Central Oxford is due to have a Euro 5-minimum Low Emission Zone for Oxides of Nitrogen from 2013 and we are keen that our vehicles are as clean as they can possibly be. With the introduction of these hybrid buses, 86% of our bus fleet now meets that criterion."

Passengers – delivering high quality services

Southern recently won a Railway Industry Innovation Award for accessible travel that goes well beyond the statutory requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. The judges particularly liked the new Maps for All, a colourful tactile map created in partnership with the RNIB to help people find their way around stations. They also praised Southern’s efforts to make travel easier for everyone, but especially those with less obvious disabilities, with new easy read communication booklets, the priority seating scheme and the improved assisted travel system.