The UK Government has revealed a set of plans to help tech firms to develop intelligent rail travel apps capable of providing real-time data to passengers.
The plans are part of a ‘Joint Rail Data Action Plan’ and are expected to facilitate collaboration between rail and tech firms to create hassle-free rail journeys.
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They also intend to provide better information to passengers on services and delays, as well as seats and on-board facilities such as toilets and refreshments.
Using well-informed data, rail companies could also plan their journeys effectively and predict and solve issues in advance.
Published by the government and UK rail industry representative Rail Delivery Group, the Joint Rail Data Action Plan highlights the obligations and deadlines for companies to deliver their plans under the supervision of an industry-led taskforce.
Rail Delivery Group chief executive Paul Plummer said: “Technology gave rise to the railway, connecting Britain, and the rail industry wants to channel this spirit to help produce cutting-edge products and services that can be exported around the world.
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By GlobalData“Digital technology in rail already means more timely information and less time spent waiting, helping to put customers in charge, and as part of the rail industry’s plan to change and improve we want to use technology to give customers more and more control.”
The rail industry has already set up a databank, which is scheduled to be released over the next few months, that will provide consistent and timely information about train services, delays and disruption.
Additional data will also be provided on the carriages of each train to allow operators to better communicate on-board facilities, as well as help passengers plan ahead and board in the most convenient place.
Under the Joint Rail Data Action Plan, the rail industry is also expected to identify and remove barriers of better information sharing.
The government and the rail industry will also explore what incentives could be given to drive further innovation and data sharing.
