Passengers travelling with First Hull Trains will now have access to on-board information screens fed by live real-time train running information thanks to the launch of a new trial that could help pave the way for the development of a wider roll-out across other operators.
The UK’s very first real time on-board information system uses the National Rail Enquiries’ live train running information known as ‘Darwin’, which takes in a number of industry data feeds and uses these to predict arrival and departure times. The rail industry now makes this information freely available to developers and has been taken forward by KeTech Systems to produce the new on-board screens.
The system uses Darwin’s predictions along with additional data sources to provide a variety of on-screen information. The real-time communications for the new system is provided via the fleet-wide Icomera on-board internet solution.
In addition to current train running information, passengers will be shown supplementary information via new on-board High Definition colour display screens including departure boards when approaching interchange stations, underground status updates and even the weather at their destination.
Throughout the journey, passengers will be given up-to-date information about stopping patterns, expected arrival times, delays and delay reasons. There will also be access to Live Departure Board information at the next station (for planning onward journeys).
First Hull Trains is the host for the project as the company was eager to further improve its on-board passenger information.
Will Dunnett, Managing Director at First Hull Trains says: “We’ve listened to our passengers to understand their preferences for how and when they want to receive information. The project will mean that passengers with Hull Trains will be fully informed about all aspects of their journey both prior to departure, on-board the train and also on arrival at their station for planning onward journeys.”
Passengers were interviewed before the trial to understand their requirements and will be interviewed as the trial progresses. The results will then be fed into the build of the production system that could be rolled out more widely across other routes.
The trial project is a collaborative scheme involving various partners including First Hull Trains, ATOC, Angel Trains, Alstom, KeTech and Icomera.
Their input has ensured a system design which is fit for purpose – delivering reliable and up to date information to rail passengers throughout their journey. A number of additional features are already in development.
Free access to Darwin has been granted to public bodies, including Transport for London, Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs) and local authorities, regardless of how many requests for information their customers make.
By making it easier for people and organisations to use live train-running information from National Rail Enquiries, the rail industry hopes to help ensure that more passengers consistently get the highest quality information about their services.
Over the last decade, train companies and Network Rail have put into the public domain an ever-increasing range of information and data, making Britain’s railway one of the most transparent in Europe.
KeTech’s Principal Technical Consultant Mike Dixon says: “Key advantages of the system are its ease of installation and efficient architecture, which is based upon KeTech’s highly successful CIS products.”
Alstom Transport is the original manufacturer of the Class 180 Trains. Sean Graham, Projects Director at Alstom Transport says: “As the original manufacturer of the Class 180 Trains, we provided the vehicles integration design and installation to support First Hull Trains to bring a new experience for the customers of their services.
“We’re very pleased to be involved in this Digital Technology launch and as a major provider of services to the rail industry, we are keen to develop a broad range of new products to help modernise existing rolling stock and, where we do not have the expertise, to work with suppliers and our partners to find the best solution.”
Angel Trains are another major partner in the project to deliver the new system. Andrew Hicks, Fleet Engineer at Angel Trains says: “Angel Trains is excited to be launching this initiative in partnership with Hull Trains, Ketech and Alstom.
“The new on-board train information screens will provide real time travel information to passengers to improve their travel experience. This innovative system is testament to our partnership successfully moving forward with technology for the good of the passenger.”
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For further information, photos and interviews, please contact Karen Butler at Invigorate Communications on 01482 714869, 07791 665991 or at [email protected]
About First Hull Trains
First Hull Trains operates 90 services a week between Hull and London Kings Cross. Last year, First Hull Trains saw record growth of 6.7% – well above the ORR figure for the long-distance sector – with 21,000 more passenger journeys than in the same quarter in 2013.
Calling at Hull, Beverley, Brough, Howden, Selby, Doncaster, Retford and Grantham, the organisation continues to strengthen its position as the transport operator of choice between East Yorkshire and London Kings Cross.
First Hull Trains delivered a number of industry firsts in 2014, including the launch of free single-sign-up 4G-enabled Wi-Fi across all carriages not just first-class; on-board cleaners to ensure passenger conveniences are clean at all times and mobile tickets allowing passengers to purchase direct from their mobile.
First Hull Trains was voted the best train operating company in the UK in an independent passenger survey in early 2014. Established in 2000, the train operator began with three daily services. Today First Hull Trains offer customers seven week day and five weekend services.
For more information visit www.hulltrains.co.uk/about-us
About KeTech Systems
KeTech Systems is a major supplier of real time Information Systems and Software.
The new system utilises high contrast TFT displays to provide the following fully configurable information;
- Service Information
- Calling Points
- Journey Progress
- Next Station Departures
- Delay Time/Expected Time of Arrival
- Reasons for Delay
- London Underground Route Service Indication (Rainbow Display)
- Corporate Information
- Safety Information
About Angel Trains
Angel Trains is one of Britain's leading train leasing companies and has been an owner and lessor of rolling stock since 1994. It is unique in leasing to all 19 franchised operators and open access operators in the UK.
Visit www.angeltrains.co.uk
About Alstom
Alstom Transport develops and markets the most complete range of systems, equipment and services in the railway sector. Alstom Transport solutions include rolling stock, signalling, services and infrastructure which can be offered separately, bundled or supplied as fully integrated solutions.
For more information visit http://www.alstom.com/microsites/transport/about-us/