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Toilet charges scrapped at busiest railway stations | Toilet charges scrapped at busiest railway stations |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Ever been caught short at a station scrambling for coins to pay for the toilet? | Ever been caught short at a station scrambling for coins to pay for the toilet? |
Now passengers at the UK's busiest railway stations will be able to spend a penny for free - after Network Rail scrapped charges. | Now passengers at the UK's busiest railway stations will be able to spend a penny for free - after Network Rail scrapped charges. |
On Monday, London Liverpool Street, London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley became the last of its 20 stations to make their toilets free. | On Monday, London Liverpool Street, London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley became the last of its 20 stations to make their toilets free. |
Previously, some charged up to 50p per person. | |
Network Rail said it wanted to put "passengers first" and help make their journeys "a bit more hassle-free". | Network Rail said it wanted to put "passengers first" and help make their journeys "a bit more hassle-free". |
In 2017 it was revealed that the public sector body had made £41m in 10 years from toilet charges. | In 2017 it was revealed that the public sector body had made £41m in 10 years from toilet charges. |
The latest figures show Network Rail-run stations across the UK made £3.1m from toilet charges in 2017-18. | The latest figures show Network Rail-run stations across the UK made £3.1m from toilet charges in 2017-18. |
Independent watchdog Transport Focus said toilets were a "priority for improvement" at stations according to its research. | Independent watchdog Transport Focus said toilets were a "priority for improvement" at stations according to its research. |
It said scrapping charges was "a welcome step for passengers". | It said scrapping charges was "a welcome step for passengers". |
'I used to panic when I didn't have change' | |
Ben Macfarlane, 39, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease - a chronic condition which causes inflammation in parts of the digestive system disease - 20 years ago. | |
His condition means he often needs to use the toilet at short notice and he said charges at stations had caused him a lot of stress in the past. | |
"I used to panic when at the station and always have to check and make sure I had enough money and even the correct change," he said. | |
"There have been times in the past when I have had to ask for change, and when you're desperate to go the last thing you need is to be stopping to ask someone for change to use the toilet. | |
"As I look fit and well, people question you when you say you need to use the toilet but don't have the change," he added. | |
He said scrapping charges would mean he could go to the toilet without being asked any questions, which he said could cause "added embarrassment". | |
Other stations run by Network Rail - including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly and Glasgow Central - have already scrapped toilet charges. | Other stations run by Network Rail - including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly and Glasgow Central - have already scrapped toilet charges. |
Smaller stations managed by local train operating companies may still charge for the use of facilities. | Smaller stations managed by local train operating companies may still charge for the use of facilities. |
Network Rail said the move was one of a number of measures to help passengers. | Network Rail said the move was one of a number of measures to help passengers. |
Other improvements being made at stations include the introduction of water fountains, better and more seating, and reducing clutter on concourses. | Other improvements being made at stations include the introduction of water fountains, better and more seating, and reducing clutter on concourses. |