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These are the results found in the 'Weakest Link' survey launched by Transport 2000 to find the best and worst train stations to travel to in England and Wales.

Transport 2000 says that the Government has made steps in the right direction, with station 'Access for All' funding and a commitment in the Rail White Paper to introduce Station Travel Plans and a task force to improve cycle provisions at stations.

However, Tara Melton of Transport 2000 says:
"Rail passengers need real travel choices. All stations should have good bus links, decent footpaths and secure cycle parking and must be accessible to all. What our survey shows is that this clearly is not the case for many rural and urban stations, leaving many people with no choice but to drive to the station."

National Survey results
The results of the survey throughout the UK and Wales found that:

Only 29% of respondents thought that bus timetables at their station were clear and accurate. Only 12% of respondents thought that the bus timetables generally connected with the train timetable. For example, Sandal and Agbrigg Station in West Yorkshire. One respondent explained that bus services have been cut by 50% in the last year and the car park is full to capacity resulting in people driving to Wakefield Station instead.

60% of respondents said that they would not feel safe leaving their bike at the station. For example, Manor Park Station in London. One respondent reported that bicycles are regularly stolen.

62% of respondents said that there was not a safe cycle route to the station. For example, regular passengers of both Hitchin Station in Hertfordshire and Kemble Station near Cirencester raised unsafe cycle routes as dangerous obstacles to using the station.

Only 36% of respondents felt that the paths to their station were safe, well-lit and free of obstacles. For example, Peckham Rye Station in London. All three entrances are poorly-lit and surrounded on each side by tall buildings, making many users feel vulnerable.

61% of respondents said that the town centre and nearby facilities were not well signposted from their station entrance/exit. For example, respondents highlighted Bristol and Newport; both of these stations are poorly-signposted and physically and psychologically disconnected from the main town.

Measures for improvement
In order to become less train dependent, Transport 2000 proposes that local bus operators and rail companies should talk to each other with the aim of better linking bus arrivals with train departures; safer and easier access to the stations for pedestrians, buggies and wheelchairs, especially in the evening, should be implemented; safer cycle routes (preferably dedicated cycle paths) to stations together with secure, covered cycle parking are needed.