A train station, or railway station, is a point of call for particular routes. Their chief task is to provide platforms that allow passengers to easily and safely access the arriving and departing trains.
The more basic station might only have platforms but larger stations may also provide such passenger facilities as ticket cubicles (a service which may also be combined with customer service desks) or ticket machines, toilets, places to leave luggage, departures and arrivals boards, porters, luggage carts, waiting rooms, taxi ranks and bus bays.
The major stations tend to have an even greater range of facilities. They may also have fast-food or restaurant facilities, convenience shops and even a pub. These large stations, as well as providing such services for passengers, may also provide loading facilities for goods and often accommodate locomotive and rolling stock depots (facilities that include railway sidings and sheds for locomotives).
Buying a train ticket is the main passenger service provided at any train station. You might hear the following dialogue there:
Clerk: Who is next in the queue, please?
Mr Mann: I am – two tickets to Norwich, please.
Clerk: Single or return?
Mr Mann: Single, please. From which platform does the train leave?
Clerk: Platform 3A. The next train’s due at 2.35: it arrives in thirty minutes.
Mr Mann: That’s alright. Is it a through train?
Clerk: No, you have to change at Ely. There is a good connection – you only have to wait ten minutes.
Mr Mann: What is the fare?
Clerk: £22.50.
Mr Mann: There you are. Thank you very much.
At the train station you might use or hear some of the following phrases:
- A ticket to [Norwich], please?
- First or second class?
- When does it arrive / will it get in?
- Is there a stop in [Bury St Edmunds]?
- I don’t know when I will be returning. I’d like an open return ticket, please.
- How long is my ticket valid for?
- Do I need to reserve a seat?
- I’d like to reserve a seat by the window.
- I’d like information on all ticket reductions, please.
- I’d like a timetable, please.
- Which platform will the train to [Norwich] leave from?
- The train will leave from platform 5
- Where is platform 3?
- Is this the right platform for the train to [Norwich]?
- There will be a delay of [10] minutes.
- The train now standing at platform 5 is the delayed 12.35 train from Peterborough to Ipswich, calling at Ely and Newmarket, and due to arrive at 14.00.
- Where are the luggage lockers / luggage trolleys / toilets / customer service desks?
- Porter!
- Can you help me with my suitcases?
