Disruption updates to be broadcast on affected trains

Driver-only operated trains in some areas will be able to automatically warn passengers of disruption from next spring as part of an industry plan to reduce the number of times passengers self-evacuate from trains.

Codenamed On Train PA, the system will initially be fitted to DOO trains operated by ScotRail, London Overground, Southeastern and GTR.

“If we know all trains in specific signal berths or at specific stations are going to be delayed, we will set it up so that as soon as the train hits that location make an announcement to passengers,” John Till, Head of Information Delivery at Southeastern Railway, told RAIL.

“It means the control team doesn’t have to sit here manually pumping out hundreds of announcements; we can send it once and it will broadcast to all affected services in the area,” he continued.

Using the railway’s GSM-R mobile network, managers in control centres will be able to send messages via SMS which will then automatically be broadcast over a train’s public address system using text-to-speech technology when it is in an affected area.

“At the moment, DOO trains are a huge issue for us in terms of information being relayed to passengers, as we’re relying on drivers to make these announcements while they’re busy doing other things. It will be a huge game-changer for information,” Till added.

Good information makes an important contribution to easing passenger stress during times of disruption, making them less likely to try to force their way out of a train. Passenger welfare on stranded trains was the subject of a recent report.

“The key driver for this system is about stranded trains; we need to see fewer people evacuating from trains. By being able to keep passengers informed on a regular basis they’re less likely to evacuate,” Till concluded.