First of a Kind: Demonstrating Tomorrow’s Trains Today

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The aim of the project is to develop a system that supports a wide variety of applications for train operators and passengers. The system comprises of infrastructure, designed and certified for deployment on a UK rail passenger vehicle, and a set of applications, targeted at the rail industry, to demonstrate the capabilities of the system. The system operates with an intermittent backhaul connection to the internet. The applications are able to provide useful functions during travel, even without internet access, and support additional capabilities with periodic internet access when the train in in coverage or at a station. Open interfaces are used to encourage application development by 3rd parties and the fostering of a wider ecosystem. The platform provides a secure environment for communication between applications and base services. A number of existing applications are envisaged to demonstrate the key benefits of the platform and include a mobile PA announcement service, a secure messaging service and a local Content Delivery Network. A new application will be developed that will enable the train operator to have access to CCTV from their phone. The ‘CCTV Live Feed’ application supports selection between a number of live feeds and allows the train operator to ensure that train doors are clear before departure, luggage is secure and that passengers are distributed uniformly through the train. This reduces instances of passengers standing when there is seating available. Some CCTV feeds can also be made available to passengers through a similar mobile app, but showing only relevant feeds. For example, a feed from each carriage could be made available so passengers could see where empty seats were located or a feed for the buffet car could be used by passengers to avoid queuing at certain times. Again, the mobile applications demonstrate an open interface that can be integrated with other 3rd party applications. With the existing links between Angel Trains and every UK Train Operating Company the project will conclude with a demonstration on a live rail vehicle that will allow the railway organisations to see how the technology can be deployed and for rail staff and customers to provide feedback on the applications and the user experience.