Train commuters at Sydney’s Bondi Junction train station now have the opportunity to click and collect their Woolworths groceries, with the introduction of a trial to allow customers to shop online with Woolworths and pick their shopping up from specially designed lockers at the station on their way home.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance, said the innovation is an Australian first for train customers.
“Everyone has time pressures, so we thought why not help train customers save time and be able to pick up their groceries at the station on the way home,” Mr Constance said.
“We’re trying to get customers home quicker and avoid the mad afternoon dash to the shops. Customers will be able to pick up a range of products from fresh food to frozen, even last minute ingredients for dinner.”
Sydney Trains is partnering with Woolworths on the 12 month trial, after the supermarket won a competitive tendering process.
“Click & Collect lockers have been installed at Bondi Junction on a trial basis. Customers can order their shopping online from Woolworths on their mobile before 11am and pick them up before they catch the train or bus, or on their way home,” Mr Constance said.
“Bondi Junction is one of our busiest suburban stations, with around 40,000 customer movements each day. It’s also a busy bus interchange, so seemed like the logical choice to see if our customers like the idea.”
“I am determined to tap into new technology that will improve the transport experience for our customers. This is a great example of the new initiatives customers can expect to see more of.”
Kate Langford, Woolworths GM, Digital Retail said Woolworths is always looking for new and innovative ways to serve our customers and make their shopping easier and more convenient.
“Click & Collect is already popular in our stores and at our drive through locations. Now our customers will be able to collect their groceries at the station on their way home which is great for commuters,” Mrs Langford said.
Similar services have been implemented on rail networks internationally, including the London underground, however, this is believed to be the first at an Australian train station.
Following the completion and evaluation of the trial, Sydney Trains will explore the possibility of rolling out the initiative on a permanent basis at other suitable stations.
