The giant screen at Euston station is to be switched back on – but it will display train departure times rather than adverts.
Network Rail, which owns the mainline station, says the screen will turned back on as part of a trial to “provide clearer and more visible travel updates for passengers”.
It is the latest twist in a saga that saw the then Transport Secretary Louise Haigh order the giant screen – which spans almost the width of the station concourse – to be switched off two months ago as it was adding to the misery of passengers using the station.
The board had been used to display flashing neon adverts after smaller departure boards were erected just above head height in the passenger concourse in a bid to discourage passengers from congregating in the same place and adding to the “Euston rush” bedlam caused when platforms are announced only minutes before the trains depart.
In an announcement on Tuesday, Network Rail said the re-use of the giant screens for train information would begin on Wednesday evening.
It said the “improvements” were being made in response to feedback from passengers “wanting to see a return of a large focal point on the concourse for travel information”.
Heidi Alexander, who replaced Ms Haigh as Transport Secretary last month, said: “I’m pleased to see Network Rail taking action and making progress on its five-point plan to alleviate some of the issues faced at Euston – particularly at this time of year, when the festive period brings an increase in passengers.
“We’ve been clear the station simply hasn’t been good enough for customers, and that’s why we recently tasked Network Rail with making immediate improvements to address crowding and give passengers the experience they deserve.”
Gary Walsh, Network Rail’s West Coast South route director, said: “After listening to our passengers, we’re pleased to launch a trial to display travel information on Euston station’s large screen this week.
“Our five-point plan is all about making quick and effective improvements to make journeys smoother for everyone and we’re really pleased to be able to deliver this in time for the busy festive travel period.
“While initial testing starts on Wednesday evening this week, we’re urging passengers to continue to use the screens in the middle of the concourse for accurate travel information.
“We’ll let passengers know when the large screen is fully up and running, which we expect to be from next week.”
Network rail said a “large section” of the screen would be “repurposed” to provide passenger information.
Testing will start on Wednesday evening, with plans to fully activate the screen from next week.
During the testing phase, passengers are advised to continue to refer to the screens in the middle of the concourse for accurate travel information.
The five-point plan includes promises to announce departure times for a number of Avanti West Coast long-distance trains up to 20 minutes in advance.
In addition, passengers for London Northwestern Railway trains are allowed to wait on the platform rather than being held on the concourse.
Passengers have been advised to avoid Euston over the Christmas and New Year period if possible, as it will be even busier than normal as a result of the closure of Paddington station and disruption at St Pancras.
