Council and Rail Firms Collaborate to Address Maidenhead Station Issues

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is collaborating with rail companies to address concerns regarding inadequate drop-off and pick-up facilities at the Maidenhead railway station. This initiative was discussed during the inaugural meeting of the new Maidenhead Railway Board, held on January 16, 2024, at Maidenhead Town Hall. The gathering included representatives from Network Rail, Great Western Railway (GWR), and Transport for London (TfL), along with local MP Josh Reynolds.

The Maidenhead Railway Board aims to adopt a coordinated approach to tackle various challenges facing the station. Key topics during the meeting included issues with lift accessibility, train scheduling, and potential enhancements to the station’s infrastructure. Discussions also touched on the feasibility of introducing battery-operated trains along the Maidenhead branch line.

As part of the efforts to resolve the drop-off and pick-up challenges, Mr. Reynolds indicated that the involved parties would explore immediate solutions. One suggestion from the council involved repurposing some staff parking spaces to facilitate passenger pick-up and drop-off.

Zach Bailey, GWR’s regional development manager, noted that GWR is actively working with RBWM to implement improvements at Maidenhead station. He stated, “This includes reviewing options to reorganise the main forecourt area, and a possible scheme to improve the ticket hall at the station. However, these plans are subject to securing future funding from stakeholders.”

A spokesperson for RBWM expressed satisfaction in collaborating with partners to enhance accessibility at the station. Meanwhile, Network Rail acknowledged its current lack of funding for further enhancements but welcomed engagement from third parties interested in improving the forecourt area.

Current Train Performance and Challenges

Over the past year, the Elizabeth line has successfully delivered approximately 84 percent of its services at Maidenhead within three minutes of the scheduled time. This performance aligns broadly with the national average, although it is lower than the overall performance of the Elizabeth line due to the impact of Network Rail Western on western stations.

Production is underway for an additional 10 Elizabeth line trains, which will serve the new station at Old Oak Common upon its opening. A TfL spokesperson explained that delays and cancellations occur for various reasons, many of which are beyond their control. They emphasized their collaboration with Network Rail, responsible for the maintenance of tracks and signals, to minimize disruptions.

Ongoing Lift Issues

Concerns about lift malfunctions, particularly involving the lift serving platforms 2 and 3, have persisted. Network Rail has previously attributed these issues to water pooling during heavy rainfall. Mr. Reynolds has been vocal about the necessity for thorough investigations to determine the underlying causes of these breakdowns, insisting that a proper solution must be found.

In response, a Network Rail spokesperson apologized for the inconveniences caused and detailed the measures taken to alleviate the issues, including extensive clearance of drainage channels to manage surface water. They continue to collaborate with industry partners and lift manufacturers to identify a robust long-term solution.

Mr. Reynolds is also seeking to arrange a meeting with rail minister Lord Hendy to discuss potential funding for essential upgrades at Maidenhead station, underscoring the importance of addressing these ongoing challenges for the benefit of local passengers.