The RailStaff Awards 2024

Simon Massey

Said the following about Kevin Kramer:

“Kevin started his career in the rail industry back in 1976 so if you have travelled on the trains in the North East over the past 4 decades you stand a chance of having travelled on Kevin’s train. If you have, I anticipate the journey will stand out as perhaps one of the most enjoyable and memorable you have ever made.

All the TOCs have great staff. Our industry is proud to have such smart, friendly and diligent professionals representing us on the front line, some have been nominated for this award, but some people are just born to do what they do and deliver a service that exceeds all training and expectation, is hard to emulate what they do, and it just blows customers away. In my experience Kevin is just such a person. Our teams deliver fantastic service everyday but delivering the sort of memorable service that stands out as exceptional is something Kevin has been able to do day after day and year after year.

Below are just a few of the comment that the travelling public have made about their experience of travelling on Kevin’s train over the past year. For Star Wars fans you’ll see even Han Solo has written in to tell us about his out of this galaxy service. Whoever Anon is they don’t seem to be able to stop travelling on Kev’s train or writing in to say how great the service has been.

Sample of customer comments:

“Loving the guard on the 09.05. Impressive moustache and customer engagement style is 5 stars plus. Give that man a reward.” Nigel

“What a legend. Customer service at its best! #Give that man a reward.” Anon

“Massive well done to the Kev the Train Manager. The guys banter and customer service is outstanding. Everyone is laughing. Credit to him. Telling everyone personal connection times and how long they’ve got until Emmerdale Farm is on!” Anon

“The conductor on the 06.46 from Doncaster to Reading was an absolute gent and a credit to your company. The fella had an impressive moustache if that helps identify him.” Liam

“He is the best TM ever.” Anon

“If only every train had a Kev Kramer people would travel more.” Anon

“He’s an absolute champ. Helping customers with connections and arrival times and really friendly.” Anon

“Super friendly having chats with loads of people and telling everyone what time we’re due at their stop.” Anon

“Loving the TM on the 07.18 making everyone laugh.” Laura

“Train Manager is brilliant. Lots of help for passengers. Generally lovely bloke.” Alex

“Absolutely wonderful ticket inspector. Knows all the connections. He is really putting a smile on my face OMG.” Han Solo

“The most cheerful conductor I’ve ever met.” Richard

“I just wanted to pass on some feedback regarding your team that were on the 815 from Morpeth to Birmingham route. Kevin Kramer is regularly on the services I use as I commute weekly from the north east to Birmingham. His humour is very refreshing and certainly lifts the mood during his shifts. Especially his pronunciation of Derby.

A long journey being softened by quite possibly the friendliest guard ever. Proper lovely bloke.

Kevin Kramer on the train, ticket man. He was funny, friendly and informative. Livened up the entire carriage with his excellent sense of humour. He knew every passenger’s arrival time and was charming to my elderly mum who had never been on a train in her life. Excellent customer service." Anon

“I got in touch with you today because I would like to praise the train manager who was on duty on Saturday 25th August travelling on the 16.55 service from Sheffield to Oxford. Once a fortnight I make a return trip from Oxford to Sheffield. I have been doing this for over two years and all your staff on this route are excellent but on Saturday the train manager Mr Kevin Kramer was quiet simply wonderful! Mr Kramer welcomed the customers with a friendly hello and smile as we climbed on board. As he went down my carriage checking tickets he interacted with each one of us. Mr Kramer’s polite and cheerful manner truly lifted the mood on the train. Finally, he announced the next station and advised us to remember to take our belongings and wished us a nice weekend as if it was the first time he had made this announcement. Mr Kramer’s genuine good will filled the carriage. As you know, there are many reasons why we travel by train and for anyone who was feeling low or worried Mr Kramer’s kind and considerate attitude would, I am sure, make someone feel better. I would be delighted if he receives the credit he deserves.” Anon

“Friendly, knowledgeable and spoke to every customer uniquely. Top man!” Anon

“Conductor was friendly, light hearted and made the whole carriage laugh.” Anon

“What a guy. Brightened up my day with his wit and customer service.” Anon

“Lovely TM. He is so jolly and friendly and making the journey fun.” Anon

“Kevin told me what time my train would arrive, what platform my next train is and what destination to look out for on the screens. Great service. Never had anything like this on the trains before.” Anon

“The conductor is amazing. He’s just given arrival and connection details to the whole carriage off the top of his head and some cheesy jokes. Seriously impressive!” Anon“