Brighton station has become the first in the UK rail network to permanently install Auracast technology, marking a significant step forward in improving accessibility for passengers with hearing loss. Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express have introduced the system as part of wider efforts to enhance customer experience and support the transition towards Great British Railways.
The innovative solution uses Bluetooth LE Audio technology to broadcast live station announcements directly into compatible hearing aids, headphones and earbuds. Crucially, the system requires no device pairing, allowing passengers to receive clear, high-fidelity audio instantly—an important breakthrough in a station environment known for its challenging acoustics.
A step change for passengers with hearing loss
For many passengers, particularly those with hearing impairments, traditional public address systems can be difficult to follow. The system removes this barrier by delivering announcements directly into personal devices, bypassing background noise and reverberation.
Jenny Sarling, who leads Brighton & Hove Hearing Loss, described the impact of the system:
"As a person with severe hearing loss, it's a complete game-changer - a life-changer in fact. I'm aware that people can use it with earbuds or headphones as well but for those of us with hearing loss, it's the difference between hearing and not hearing, it's the difference between feeling isolated on the station and worried about your journey and being able to relax knowing that if anything changes you will hear it.
"Without Auracast, I can go to a platform and all of a sudden hear a muffled announcement, see everyone run off and be left standing there not knowing what's happened. Now announcements such as platform changes go direct into my ears."
Her experience highlights the practical benefits of the technology in real-world rail scenarios, particularly during disruption when clear communication is critical.
Supporting inclusive travel across the network
Delivering accessible travel remains a key priority for operators, particularly as the industry moves towards a more passenger-focused model under public ownership.
Carl Martin, Accessibility Lead for Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express, said:
“We’re constantly looking for innovative ways to make it easier for everyone to travel on our network, particularly our disabled passengers.
“This fabulous technology will have a huge impact, overcoming the difficulty of hearing announcements in our beautiful but acoustically very challenging, noisy station at Brighton.
“Auracast is new to the railway and we’re delighted to have installed it permanently at Brighton station. As people upgrade their devices, more and more will steadily find they have access to crystal clear announcements. And the way it is used in public spaces will also steadily evolve making it even easier to use.”
Brighton’s Grade II* listed station building presents a particularly challenging acoustic environment. The deployment demonstrates how modern digital solutions can overcome infrastructure limitations without compromising heritage assets.
Building momentum for wider rollout
The system is already being deployed in other public settings, including several West End theatres and the National Theatre. It has also undergone trials within the rail sector at Bristol Temple Meads, but Brighton is the first permanent installation.
The station is effectively serving as a live pilot, with operators monitoring passenger uptake and performance. A successful rollout could unlock funding opportunities for deployment across the wider rail network.
Alastair Moore, Technology Lead at the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), said:
“Public transport is an essential service, enabling people to live, work, and participate fully in everyday life. However, for the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf or have hearing loss, announcements can remain a major barrier. Places like stations often have high levels of reverberation and background noise making important information hard to understand.
Industry collaboration driving innovation
The system at Brighton has been enabled by the Auri platform, manufactured and installed by Ampetronic Listen Technologies. The collaboration between technology providers and rail operators underlines the importance of cross-sector partnerships in delivering innovation.
Jonathon Hoskin, Division Sales Manager at Ampetronic Listen Technologies, added:
"As the manufacturer of Auri, we're committed to developing practical Auracast solutions that improve accessibility in public spaces. Brighton Station demonstrates how public transport operators can deliver clearer, more accessible audio announcements directly to passengers' compatible devices."
A blueprint for the future of rail accessibility
As passenger expectations evolve and inclusivity becomes a core industry focus, audio technologies could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UK rail network. With Brighton now acting as a permanent testbed, the sector will be watching closely to assess adoption levels and long-term impact.
Image credits: Southern
