No longer just a place where trains come and go, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way, train stations are now commercial facilities containing food places and now, a parcel shop. Rail stations in the UK are able to send, collect and return mail. Doddle is a new service being trialled by Network Rail. The first parcel shop is open in Milton Keynes Central station.
If you are in the area, you will be able to use the time spent waiting for your train to send and receive your post. The Buckinghamshire location was picked because of its proximity to various delivery depots. Network Rail is also partnering with retailers, online stores and other delivery services in this endeavor.
What's Driving This Trend
- Railway Mail Service
- There is an opportunity to expand the range of services offered at train stations to include collecting, sending and returning mail through partnerships with postal services.
- Parcel Shop Convenience
- Convenience stores in other transportation hubs such as bus and airport terminals could consider adding parcel collection and drop-off services to cater to busy commuters.
- Multitasking Commuter Services
- Train stations could offer more services to commuters to maximize their time spent waiting for trains, such as printing, photocopying, and other everyday services in addition to mail collection.
Who This Affects Most
- Postal Services
- Postal services could consider partnering with train stations to provide pickup/drop-off, sending and returning mail services for commuters, thereby expanding their customer base.
- Retail
- Retailers could partner with train stations to provide parcel collection and delivery services to their customers as an additional convenience, thus increasing traffic to their stores.
- Transportation
- Other transportation hubs such as airports, bus termini, etc. could consider adding parcel collection and drop-off services to cater to busy commuters and other travelers looking for convenience and efficiency.
