Transport for Wales (TfW) has trialled a digital signalling system that will enhance passenger experience and optimise train operations on rural and low-density routes.
Request to Stop (RtS) enables passengers to request approaching trains to stop by using an on-platform communication system to alert the driver that they are waiting to board.
Teleri Evans, Customer Information Strategy Manager at TfW, said:
“We see significant benefit for customers in being able to request a stop by pushing a button without the need to manually signal the driver, especially for those holding onto pushchairs, wheelchairs and bikes or unable to action a manual request for health reasons.”
The RtS trial took place on 23rd-24th July at Llanfairpwll and Ty Croes station and follows the introduction of RtS on Scotland’s Far North Line using Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB) equipment.
RtS will utilise GSM throughout the trial period, providing greater location flexibility, with a planned future upgrade to GSM-R.
The system introduces significant timetable resilience, efficiency and passenger safety improvements in comparison to the manual method of requesting a train to stop.
RtS could also bring time, cost and carbon savings to operators. Each unnecessary stop for a diesel multiple-train unit that is avoided could save up to 70 seconds and six litres of fuel.
Funding for the project was awarded as part of the Department for Transport and Innovate UK First of a Kind (FOAK) competition to promote the introduction of new technology to the rail market.
Image credit: Comms Design (header) and Transport for Wales (embedded)
