By having passengers sign-up to be contacted at the point of purchasing their ticket, operators are able to send out emergency alerts via the available communication channels and these notifications will continue to be sent until a response has been acknowledged. For rail operators, these responses are vital as they help provide a clear overview of an incident, the areas and people most affected, and how best to deploy resources to resolve it.
As such, effective two-way communication plays a vital part in reducing uncertainty during an incident and ensuring passenger safety is prioritised. For example, if a passenger finds themselves on a platform as it begins to flood, they can use the technology to instantly alert rail staff that can then deploy resources to get the passenger to safety.
Go deeper with GlobalData
A further benefit to travellers during incidents of extreme weather is that these communication systems are capable of notifying them of alternative routes of travel. So should a train from London Waterloo to Reading be cancelled due to flooding on the line, passengers are instantly made aware of the cancellation and notified of potential alternative valid routes of travel — often before they arrive at the station — which frees-up staff who would normally be handling service enquiries to help in the recovery effort.
Operators back in control
Aside from the benefits this type of technology offers rail passengers, it can also significantly improve the way the UK’s rail networks operate in an emergency. For instance, rail staff can use the platform’s geo-location data to have a precise understanding of where on-duty engineering staff are at all times. Should an emergency situation such as Storm Angus develop, rail officials would be able to use live weather data to predict which lines would be affected and the most effective place to deploy resources.
During the most extreme incidents, operators can send out a critical alert to relevant employees (or those in a specific geographic location if it is a localised emergency) to ask who is available to help. Using the same two-way communication process as before, operators will have a clear understanding of the available staffing resources within minutes.
Once an emergency engineering team has been deployed, it can use the technology to send progress updates to the management, which can, in turn, inform the passengers of expected delays to services and suggest alternative routes to travel.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataRail companies also have a duty of care to staff working in extreme conditions in order to keep services running. Again, advanced technology can be used to locate and liaise with employees, automating the time-intensive process of manual emergency cascades and recalling staff to duty.
Many modern comms providers, such as Everbridge, offer smartphone applications for staff to use during emergency situations, as an additional level of assurance. For instance, critical communication technologies provider, Everbridge , has a panic button built into its app which the user can press to alert management and signal that they are in urgent need of assistance.
In times of crisis, such as a derailed train, speed of response is key and the appropriate communications platform can mean the difference between life and death. Only by learning from the past and investing in proactive methods of improving the UK’s rail system operations can rail companies hope to change the future.
