Train operating companies wipe the slate clean

The latest National Rail Passenger Survey (NRPS) revealed train operating companies still have Arrow Solutions, the manufacturer of specialist rail cleaning and maintenance products, is challenging train operating companies that want to improve their cleanliness ratings to make their toughest cleaning problems known to the company’s experts.
significant improvements to make before fulfilling passengers’ expectations. As a result

Arrow Solutions will assess every challenge free of charge and provide an alternative way of solving the problem.

With over 50,000 passengers surveyed every year, the NRPS provides a network-wide picture of consumers’ experiences when it comes to travelling by train. The most recent survey has confirmed that internal cleanliness is an important factor in overall customer satisfaction - second only to punctuality.

“The rise of train ticket prices has resulted in more sophisticated demands from the general public when it comes to rail journeys,” explained James Lomas, Sales Manager for Rail at Arrow Solutions. “Although punctuality, customer service and ticket prices will always be key indicators of customer experience, other aspects, including train presentation, are under more scrutiny from passengers now than ever before.

“Old habits die hard in the rail industry, and cleaning products that have been used without significant success definitely fall into that category,” continued Lomas. “Arrow Solutions has often found that train operating companies are reluctant to change the cleaning products they have been using for a long time, despite results being far from outstanding.

“We believe improving train presentation and cleanliness is often just a matter of trying something new and doing things just a little bit differently. So, no strings attached, we’d like to offer our alternative solutions for the toughest rail cleaning challenges, to help train operating companies rate better in next year’s NRPS report and make passengers’ journeys more enjoyable.”

Arrow Solutions has been supplying professional cleaning chemicals to the rail industry for over 45 years. The company provides a range of exterior washing products, including daily use cleaners, degreasers, rust and scale removers that can get rid of virtually any type of soiling. Interior cleaning products that remove ingrained residues as well as sanitising surfaces and masking odours are also an essential part of Arrow Solutions’ rail offering.

Train operating companies that would like to hear an alternative solution to their most gruelling rail cleaning challenges are invited to get in touch with James Lomas on James.Lomas@arrowchem.com or on 01283 221044.

Winter woes no more

Cold weather no match for rail specialist’s new screenwash

Manufacturer of specialist cleaning and maintenance products, Arrow Solutions has given train operating companies (TOCs) some peace of mind as the temperature drops by developing a new Winter Grade Screenwash for use in the rail industry. The screenwash maintains the same high level of performance as previous strengths, but ensures effectiveness down to minus 20 degrees Celsius.

Unlike similar products, Arrow Solutions' Winter Grade screenwash is unlikely to freeze, even in the most severe of British winters.

The development comes after Arrow Solutions listened to TOCs who highlighted the need for a screenwash that worked in harsher temperatures. The Winter Grade Screenwash has been designed and produced thanks to Arrow Solutions' research and development lab at its base in Moira, UK.

"Few factors affecting rail operations are as unpredictable as the British weather and few have as much potential to cause delays and incur costs," explained James Lomas, Arrow Solution's sales manager. Regular screenwash only works down to about minus four degrees centigrade. In extreme winters, this kind of fluid is likely to freeze when applied to the windscreen, making it next to useless. However, some train operating companies don't realise these limitations before it's too late.  

"That's why we've developed a genuine Winter Grade Screenwash. In its undiluted form it works down to temperatures of minus 20 degrees. Train operating companies need never be caught out again when they have this in their locker."

The Winter Grade Screenwash is part of Arrow Solutions' winter rail range which comprises rugged products engineered to handle whatever the weather. This line includes a de-icer than works down to minus 20 degrees Celsius, for use on windscreens, locks, bolts and hinges.

The Winter Grade Screenwash product uses the Rail Cat number 007/500150.

For more information about Winter Grade Screenwash or Arrow Solutions complete rail product range, call 0845 618 1931 or visit www.arrowchem.com/rail.