Following its recent adoption of broadband communications, the West Somerset Railway has just launched its new website and is now moving towards an on-line ticketing service for its special events programme. The moves by the heritage attraction to make better use of today’s communications technology, was prompted by feedback from regular visitors and the commercial success of on-line services operated by other visitor venues around the country.

“I guess it has been something of a leap of faith,” says General Manager, Paul Conibeare. “We know a lot about the operation of heritage trains, but few of us have much experience with computers and the internet - although they are both a fact of life in today’s society. While we’re keen to run the railway in accordance with traditional Victorian methods as far as possible, we have to be mindful of the need for operational efficiency and ensure we satisfy the expectations of any potential visitor – and we know can’t do that with ‘Penny Black communications’!”

“We’ve already had great feedback on the new website – www.west-somerset-railway.org.uk -and I have no doubt that the new e-ticketing service will be very well received by our customers, as well as helping us to simplify booking administration for all of our events throughout the year.”

Paul says the advice and support provided by Connecting Somerset has helped him and his colleagues overcome any concerns they had about adopting the new technology. “Not only have they held our hands throughout the process, they’ve also shown us how the technology can really help an operation such as ours so that we can take full advantage of our investment for many years to come.”

From a list of approved suppliers provided by Connecting Somerset, the West Somerset Railway selected Edward Martin Computer Systems of Williton to update its computer and communications network at Minehead to full broadband specification. This work was completed in the summer and the new website was launched at the end of September. Steps are now being taken to introduce on-line booking for events and ‘day rover’ tickets and Connecting Somerset is also providing help with appropriate training support for the railway’s staff.

“This is a great example of the traditional making the most of the contemporary,” says Connecting Somerset’s Kevin Redpath. “The success of The West Somerset Railway continues to give pleasure to so many people – both locals and visitors to the area. But, it is an attraction that exists in a competitive world and ‘convenience’ is the watchword for most consumers, so it’s very important the railway seizes every opportunity to maximise its revenue and ensures it makes full use today’s communication technology. The steps that Paul and his colleagues have taken will provide very real commercial benefit without compromising the traditional operation of such an important attraction that helps to keep a bygone era very much alive.”

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For further information, please contact :
David Wilford tel 01373 303004 mob 07790 774284
or Ron Dyson tel 01308 485707