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_Our railways have profoundly shaped the history of the UK, as well as much of its cultural and civic identity. But as Dr. Alan Peters explains, the future will demand as much imagination and innovative thought as the last two centuries have.
This article featured in the print version of the
Connected Places Magazine
Dr. Alan Peters, Ecosystem Director for Rail & Stations, Connected Places Catapult
Like many economic sectors today, the UK’s rail network has endured a rocky few years: the multiple challenges of reduced passenger revenue resulting from COVID; changing commuting usage patterns; and waves of industrial action, all whilst addressing the need to modernise the oldest rail infrastructure in the world.
Luckily, as we cast an eye to the future, the rail industry has a long track record of changing and adapting to society’s needs.
The first railway line in the world dates back to 1825 when George Stephenson linked the Durham towns of Stockton and Darlington. Fast forward a couple of decades, and the Great Exhibition in London saw rail make an impact on leisure travel as thousands of visitors benefitted from reduced-cost tickets included in the event admission price.
Over the following 200 years, the rail industry began to evolve organically. A simple method for getting people from A to B gradually became an ever more complex, interconnected system across multiple companies and organisations. But the inherent complexity within this emerging industry would, over time, make innovation more difficult.
Yet at its heart, rail is an industry forged in innovation and creativity. In stepping up to the daunting challenges of the 21st century, it needs to rediscover its long legacy of responsiveness if it’s to remain a cost-effective, accessible, sustainable and enjoyable form of travel. The good news is that change is happening in three important areas.
The UK Government’s 2050 net-zero target requires all segments of the transport system to move to greener fuels. It may already be an environmentally efficient way to move people and goods around but the rail sector has to continue to electrify lines. At the same time, it also needs to better harness the new technologies such as battery, electric and hydrogen systems for some routes.
The rail estate, which includes a large number of stations, depots and other buildings is also beginning to embrace clean technology to reduce its share of carbon emissions. And the business models are increasingly staking up too. Rolling stock companies are now close to the point where new diesel vehicles, with their long lifespans, will not achieve a return on investment before they need to be phased out.
Digital technologies are already creating better railways with better services and fewer delays. Modern signalling and train control technology is increasing line capacity and improving safety. Digital twin technology is also beginning to provide operators with insights into all sorts of different elements within a rail system – from a component level on a train carriage, right through to a whole route or even region.
As such, we’re gradually getting better at aggregating real-time data to improve predictive capacity. This of course requires better standardisation and sharing of data across systems and organisations. This is why the Catapult is so keen for the rail sector to play an active role in the Digital Twin Hub.
Rail must also compete with other forms of transport – even with other virtual experience technologies. This is particularly true of leisure travel, which is becoming more important for the sector. We need to start by doing the basics well (e.g., offer a safe, reliable service) while enabling rail passengers to enjoy their travel time.
How can stations improve their retail offer to make the most of the station experience? Improved internet connectivity across rail lines and stations should also give passengers options for better entertainment and remote working opportunities. Rail should also be accessible for everyone to travel confidently and comfortably.
This is why the Catapult is excited about our Station Innovation Zone, which is helping disparate organisations to better understand how best to inject creativity and innovation back into our stations.
Dr. Alan Peters, Ecosystem Director for Rail & Stations, Connected Places Catapult
The UK’s rail industry does have the right experts who are passionate about improving rail but we need to take our ambition and the speed of change to the next level. The creation of Great British Railways, a new public body to oversee rail transport,
offers the potential for us to make a bold step change.
The story of our industry is one of creativity and bravery. We have what we need to ensure that rail is a cost-effective, accessible, sustainable and enjoyable form of travel – but there’s much work to be done!
Further Reading
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