Twenty-six cutting-edge projects aimed at improving passenger experience on the railway have launched, supported by a multi-million pound funding package by the Department for Transport (DfT).
In partnership with Innovate UK, working closely with Network Rail and train operators, the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) competition offers grant funding for innovative projects to be tested on the railway, to give them a better chance at being bought by train operators, freight companies and Network Rail, News Cover reports, citing UK government.
Given the Transport Secretary’s clear direction to put passengers at the heart of every journey, this year’s winning projects focus on improving safety at the platforms, passenger safety and reducing incidents of vehicles hitting railway bridges. Through working closely with Network Rail and train operators, these innovations will help to improve rail services and infrastructure where it’s needed most.
Among the winning projects is IntelliPan Network, which will reduce delays for passengers by using AI to detect faults on overhead lines, eliminating dangerous, service-disrupting dewirements.
Another successful project, SafeRide 5G, will empower passengers to report incidents using their own devices safely and privately via onboard wifi, boosting response times and removing key barriers to reporting, improving passenger safety.
Twenty-six successful projects will be supported with £5 million in funding from DfT, demonstrating the government’s commitment to trialling innovative technology to modernise our railway and boost the passenger experience. These projects will help to deliver better services for passengers, encouraging more people to take the train and supporting growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
