
King's Cross
Documentary series going behind the scenes of the rail network. Staff at King's Cross station in London prepare to open a new, brighter and more spacious concourse.
Documentary following the staff at London's King's Cross station, the gateway to Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh for the 47 million people who travel through the station every year.
The 1970s concourse at King's Cross is cramped and dark, doing nothing to help the spirits of the passengers - something that Alexis, who works on the passenger information point, knows all too well from her experience of dealing with frustrated travellers. Steve, who sells tickets in the travel centre, says he regularly relies on his conflict resolution training.
There is hope that a brand new concourse will lift everyone's spirits. East Coast manager Steve Newland wants the opening to coincide with customer service levels worthy of a five-star hotel, a vision that is frustrated when broken-down trains and fatalities on the line bring everything to a standstill.
Laxman has worked at the station for 35 years, during which time he has witnessed both an IRA bombing and the King's Cross fire. He is a much-loved staff member but will not be there to see the new concourse filled with passengers, as retirement beckons. His last day at work is a very sad one for everyone at the station.
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Rush hour at King's Cross
Duration: 03:33
BBC Four Collection: Steam Railways

A collection of programmes from the BBC archives celebrating the beauty of steam locomotives and the deep, engrained love Britain holds for its steam railways.
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Series Producer | Jo Hughes |
| Director | Laura Fairrie |
Broadcasts
Tue 12 Feb 201321:00BBC HD & BBC Two- Thu 14 Feb 201323:20BBC Two except Wales
- Fri 15 Feb 201300:00BBC Two Wales
- Wed 20 Mar 201300:20BBC Two except Northern Ireland
- Wed 20 Mar 201300:50BBC Two Northern Ireland
- Sun 9 Jun 201323:40
- Sun 11 Oct 201515:30BBC Two Scotland
- Sun 11 Oct 201516:00BBC Two except Scotland
- Thu 2 Nov 201715:15
Featured in...
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Beeching Night
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Beeching Report on the future of Britain's railways.

