Grimling Rail has opened a new platform at Brackhollow station for express services that do not stop. Passengers wishing to board these trains must run alongside the carriages and step aboard while the train is in motion. The trains pass through at their full operating speed.

A spokesperson for Grimling Rail said the design reduces journey times by removing the deceleration and acceleration phases. "This is a straightforward efficiency measure," the spokesperson said. "A stationary train is a logistical contradiction."

The boarding procedure

Signs on the platform instruct passengers to begin running before the train reaches the platform edge. Passengers are advised to reach the speed of the train prior to attempting to step onto the boarding step. Grab rails have been fitted to the exterior of each carriage door. The rails are painted yellow.

Station staff are positioned along the platform with whistles. The whistles are blown when the train is approaching to indicate that passengers should commence running. A second whistle is blown when the train has passed the platform to indicate that passengers should stop running.

Safety considerations

Grimling Rail has issued a list of recommended footwear. The list is available from the ticket office. Slip-on shoes and high heels are discouraged. Laces must be tucked in before the first whistle.

A barrier has been installed at the far end of the platform to prevent passengers who have failed to board from running onto the adjacent track. The barrier is padded. A bench behind the barrier is provided for passengers who need to sit down after a failed boarding attempt.

Mr Gerald Fentick, a regular commuter, attempted to board the morning service. He ran for the length of the platform but did not reach the speed of the train. He is now sitting on the padded bench. "I will try again tomorrow," he said. "I think I need a longer starting run."

Future expansion

Grimling Rail has confirmed that a second non-stop platform will be built at nearby Cauldwick station. The Cauldwick platform will be longer to give passengers more distance to accelerate. The spokesperson said the extended platform addresses early feedback from Brackhollow. "Passengers were reaching the end before reaching the necessary speed," the spokesperson said. "Additional tarmac resolves the issue."