An initiative to reduce plastic waste will see Network Rail install water fountains at some of the country’s biggest stations in 2018.
The scheme will begin with the trial installation of a new water fountain at London Charing Cross in March.
Lessons learnt from that trial will inform a full rollout of free drinking water facilities across all Network Rail’s managed stations later in the year with fountains installed where it is possible to do so.
Network Rail said that, as one of the country’s largest retail landlords, it hopes to encourage users to refill their own multiple-use water bottles to reduce the impact of plastic waste at its stations.
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Network Rail managing director of property David Biggs said: “At Network Rail we put station users at the heart of everything we do and our managed stations are carefully designed to ensure that people can enjoy a great experience – whether they’re travelling, shopping, dining or socialising.
“By introducing free water fountains at our managed stations we can make a simple change that not only helps quench the thirst of station users, but also has a positive impact on our sustainability ambitions by reducing single-use plastics.
“We’re looking forward to the introduction of these water fountains and the benefits they will bring the public and the environment.”
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