Ashurst (New Forest)

[Oracle]

A(NF) has suddenly, or recently, got a third set of station signs! Gone are the SouthWestTrains ones and in are new dark blue Network Rail style! Also we have the card readers at last...these are not Oyster I assume, and so excuse my ignorance but what cards are they?

There is still a sign on the footpath from/to P2 that says that there is a partnership between Hampshire County Council and British Rail!

 

[thefab444]

The new station signs at Ashurst were installed on 25th/26th of January, and are part of a rolling programme of sign replacement across the SWT network. They're similar to the signage used by Southeastern, although the font is different. I imagine the other signage at Ashurst will be replaced in due course as the "Exit" etc. signs date back to NSE and are barely readable! The SWT Smartcard readers have been installed at Ashurst for at least a year now, although they've recently been switched (back) on. The Smartcards to work with them aren't available yet, and they aren't compatible with Oyster.

Hope this helps.

 

[LondonLarry]

The Smartcard readers are a franchise commitment - SWT had to have them installed and run a trial using a Smartcard (which was between Windsor & Eton Riverside and Staines) by the end of 2009.

Oyster and the TOC Smartcards will be compatible, but only if the DfT pulls it's finger out and funds the necessary hardware/sofware upgrades required.

 

[Oracle]

Cheers!