02.11.18
Network Rail urge businesses to join innovation project to improve passenger journeys
Network Rail has launched a project with Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) to build live demonstrators of innovative technologies which could improve passenger journeys, and are seeking partners to help.
The TSC-led project aims to find technology to enable a smoother flow of trains and improve customer experience, and Network Rail wants UK businesses to provide innovative solutions to help understand and improve passenger journeys.
The call for partners follows market research carried out by TSC on behalf of Network Rail which identified areas that UK businesses could contribute to.
The two key areas identified in Network Rail’s Rail Technical Strategy was firstly system wide modelling to understand the flow of passengers at stations and on trains through the rail network as one complete system.
The second area involves using new and existing data sources to predict passenger flow and improve operational performance.
TSC’s programme manager Kristoff van Leeuwen said: “Transport innovation in the UK’s technology innovation community is thriving, but it is not always easy for smaller businesses to transition their solutions into the wider transport network due to the complexity of the environments.
“With this in mind, we are excited to be working on this unique opportunity with Network Rail.”
He continued: “We will be providing successful businesses and SMEs with access to Network Rail and the support necessary to progress their solutions in a low risk process and to meet Network Rail’s requirements.
Ultimately, we will seek both better journeys for rail users and jobs and growth for UK businesses.”
TSC says engagement with public procurement regulation is key as the project progresses through feasibility studies, product development, demonstration and finally deployment.
It says that innovative businesses with high growth have a “unique opportunity” to develop products on a large scale, and enabling Network Rail to explore ideas in a low-risk and cost-effective manner.
Earlier this week, the ORR approved Network Rail’s £35bn CP6 spending plans.
Image credit - funky-data
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