NETWORK RAIL has announced that it is to test a parcel collection and delivery service at main line and other principal commuter stations, available to all retailers and parcel carriers.
Clients of the new 'Doddle' service are expected to include Amazon, and the first trial station will be Milton Keynes Central.
The idea is that items ordered through websites or retailers can be directed to secure pickup points at selected stations, where commuters will be able to pick them up on their way home. The Doddle dedicated parcel shops would be open seven days a week, early until late, to allow users to choose exactly how, when and where they send and receive parcels. There will be a website and advanced touch point notifications through a mobile app, SMS and email.
Network Rail has 3,000 employees who are based at Quadrant: MK, near Milton Keynes Central, and the new city is also home to a number of key delivery operations.
Milton Keynes will be followed 'closely' by trials at London Paddington and Woking, with other stations to follow throughout 2014 once the concept is proven, creating up to 4,000 new jobs.
Doddle is a joint venture with Lloyd Dorfman, who is best known for creating the Travelex Group which is now the world's largest non-bank foreign exchange business.
Robin Gisby, Network Rail managing director, network operations, said: “More people are travelling by rail than ever before and stations have become more than just a place to wait for, or get off a train. We’ve adapted to what passengers want and need by offering quality retail, food and drink at our biggest stations such as King's Cross and Manchester Piccadilly and this is a natural next step to help passengers and station users whose lives are increasingly busy and on the move.
“With 2,500 stations nationwide we have the potential to create an unrivalled parcel delivery and collection service to meet the needs of rail users and those living near to stations.”
Doddle project director Peter Louden added: “Our initial conversations with both leading retailers and carriers have been extremely positive with many indicating a desire to become an early adopter. They are excited by the fantastic locations and the guaranteed footfall which is expected to increase by 30 per cent by 2020.”