THE first stage in a £1 million plan to revamp passenger services at York Station has been unveiled.

York MP Hugh Bayley was on hand to officially open GNER's new travel centre which, the company says, is one of the most advanced in the UK rail network.

He was joined by the Station Rise-based company's sales and marketing director, Clare Field, in cutting the ribbon for the new centre, which will offer passengers the latest retail standards.

Situated in the station concourse, it has nine ticket counters - one of which is height adjustable for wheelchair users. The glass barrier between customers has been removed, passengers will be able to buy any kind of fare regardless of date of travel and six self-service "fastticket" machines will also help passengers who need to get a ticket quickly.

The new centre is part of a massive station improvement programme. The coming months will see the refurbishment of two passenger lounges, refurbished toilets on two platforms, new disabled toilets and new customer information screens as well as CCTV cameras.

It is all part of GNER's commitment to spend £10 million modernising key stations on the East Coast Main Line before its franchise expires in April next year.

Ms Field said: "This opening is a further sign of GNER's continuing commitment to improve facilities and services for all our customers.

"It is essential that we make travelling by train as accessible and comfortable as possible. York Station is a very important station for GNER.

"We operate over 60 services a day to and from York carrying many thousands of passengers."

Mr Bayley said: "I am sure that the £1 million programme of customer service improvements at York will be appreciated by passengers and improve their experience when travelling."

Updated: 10:05 Saturday, December 18, 2004