Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

CHAPTER 16

2005 TO 2010 - LOOKING FORWARDS 2005 January It wasn’t the silly season, and certainly not April 1 st , so what follows should be taken quite seriously, although it is almost farcical. In what was the first of what one might hope as many tangible improvements to the rail services to Manchester Airport, they have managed to find possibly the silliest imaginable. The Company have introduced scented headrest covers to help cheer the ‘customers’ with a bit of aromatherapy! They are confined to the Trans-Pennine Express services for the moment at least, and were the first trains in the country to have this added luxury. The subtle fragrance was designed to make the carriages smell “fresh and clean”. It was also predicted that the moods and concentration levels of passengers will improve by inhaling the citrus smells, which would include orange and grapefruit. There has been a mixed reaction to this innovative move. An aroma therapist was quoted as being all in favour of the change, stating that “citrus oils are good for keeping you alert”. But she also warned that some people were allergic to these oils. The Chairman of Ribble Valley Rail, Mr Peter Moore, had taken a more down to earth approach to this gimmick. “If they run clean trains, which keep to time, and give people correct information, there would be no need for aromatherapy,” he said. Adding, “If it makes peoples journeys more pleasant, then so be it”. One lady had asked what had happened to the initiative to improve the lighting on Accrington Railway Station. At the meeting with the Association of Community Rail Projects, their stated aims and

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