Siemens Mobility technology helps keep the distance between passengers in trains

Photo SIEMENS press materials

Siemens Mobility has developed a technology to monitor the number of passengers on trains, aiding safe movement and timetable planning during the coronavirus epidemic.

The technology uses train load data and is used in Desiro 700 vehicles Thameslink and the 717 Great Northern Moorgate operated by the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) in the UK.

GTR uses a solution to monitor the number of passengers boarding and disembarking trains at individual stations and to assess overall demand for each specific route - all it in any time frame. The technology helps to organize future timetables, extend trains or add additional courses, based on accurate and detailed operational data.

Siemens Mobility informs you when the maximum load of passengers on the train exceeds 10% (warning indicator) and above 15% - where safe physical distance becomes more challenging.

Siemens Mobility technology has already been used by GTR to monitor temperature and on-board equipment. The new functionality for advanced passenger loading was developed and implemented in just two weeks.

By helping GTR to monitor the physical distance of passengers using even the smallest data, we improve passenger safety. This tool also has potential for other rail companies that want to safely deliver their services, said Sambit Banerjee, Managing Director of Rolling Stock and Customer Service, Siemens Mobility UK.

This tool helps us monitor and support the physical distance. Our partners at Siemens Mobility delivered this innovative technology in record time. It gives our inspection and training teams accurate data and insight into the use of Thameslink and Great Northern trains so that they can make planning and scheduling decisions, said Steve White, GTR COO.