Enhancing Passenger Safety During the Pandemic
Established in 1994, this leading UK rolling stock operating company (ROSCO) is a pioneer in leasing and managing trains to train operating companies (TOCs). The business model allows TOCs to concentrate on delivering top-notch passenger services without the financial burden of train ownership.
The company also acquires, finances, and maintains a diverse fleet, consistently upgrading trains to meet industry standards and support sustainability initiatives, including reducing carbon emissions through eco-friendly technologies.
As well as this, it also provides long-term leases of their modernised and sustainable train fleet to TOCs across the UK, enabling them to offer reliable and efficient passenger services. The company manages the financial and maintenance responsibilities, ensuring that their trains continuously meet evolving industry standards.
The Problem
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the public transport sector, especially rail services, was significantly impacted. Social distancing became a crucial factor in safeguarding passengers, creating an urgent need for rail operators to inform travellers about carriage capacity in real-time. Passengers required accurate information on how crowded a train was before boarding, which necessitated a solution to monitor and display this data on Passenger Information Systems and a custom-designed app, thereby minimising the risk of transmission.
To address this challenge, The Curve developed a cloud-based logging solution capable of accurately calculating and displaying passenger data in real-time with cost-effective hardware that was practical to retrofit. This solution needed to be tested and refined on a small sample of trains before being rolled out across the entire fleet. The team needed to circumnavigate several challenges, including the unreliability of on-board Wi-Fi, which could be sporadic or unavailable, making it essential to implement a robust 4G solution for continuous data transmission.
The Curve’s cloud-based logging solution was strategically launched on a select group of trains, serving as a testing ground to refine the system and ensure an optimal commuter experience. After successfully validating and fine-tuning the system, it was poised for a nationwide roll out, set to transform the entire fleet’s operations across the country.
The Solution
The Curve designed and deployed a cloud-based measurement and logging system using IoT devices to record passenger data from train carriages. This data was uploaded to a central portal via 4G networks and the AWS Cloud, providing operators with a visual dashboard that made the information easy to process and act upon. The system was initially tested on a select group of trains to fine-tune the solution and ensure it delivered a seamless commuter experience.
Given the sporadic nature of Wi-Fi on trains, The Curve implemented a reliable 4G device capable of sending and receiving data continuously, Additionally, to meet the operational demands of the rail industry, a 24/7 Managed Service that included uptime monitoring, alerting, scaling, management, security, and system updates were also included. Custom firmware was also developed for some devices to align them more closely with the project’s goals and ensure optimal performance.
The result was a highly effective IoT-driven solution that allowed the rail company to monitor passenger numbers accurately and in real-time. This system significantly enhanced the safety of rail passengers during the pandemic by enabling social distancing measures to be implemented effectively. The success of the initial deployment paved the way for a nationwide roll-out, now helping safeguard commuters across the country.
Ready to begin your journey?
Looking to enhance your operations with cutting-edge IoT solutions? Contact us today to explore how we can help you improve safety and efficiency with tailored technology solutions.