Upgraded Stations for TransPennine Express Network are Full Speed Ahead!
29 November 2006 12:14
Passengers travelling on the TransPennine Express in the north of England will soon see dramatic improvements to information and safety systems as Transmitton, now part of Siemens Transportation Systems, completes the first three of teh 29 rail stations being upgraded as part of a refurbishment programme worth £5million.Transmitton is the main contractor for Real-Time Passenger Information Systems (RITPS) and, in partnership with sister company Siemens Building Technologies, is upgrading the information and security systems at 29 stations for TransPennine Express. Work has already started at 28 of the sites and all stations are due for completion in spring 2007.
For rail passengers, automated announcements and travel information will be provided by new Public Address (PA) systems and, for the first time in the UK rail industry, new, intuitive, touch screen Passenger Help Points (PHP) will be provided. Half of these PHPs will be interactive and will even offer direct web access. Passenger safety and security are also being improved as closed circuit television (CCTV) systems are upgraded and expanded on all stations. When completed, almost 600 CCTV cameras, 200 information screens and 2000 PA loudspeakers will have been installed.
This major station improvement contract has two phases - implementation and future maintenance. Working together, Transmitton and Siemens Building Technologies are providing the design, engineering, factory testing, integration, installation and commissioning of all new systems.
A rolling work programme is in place so that new equipment goes live in phases and is then backed up by a five-year service maintenance agreement.
A new, central, Real Time Passenger Information System (RTPIS) is at the core of the improvement programme, using Transmitton's proven cromos software. This is being installed in Birmingham, networked with an operational control room in Manchester and all 29 stations. The system integrates PA and PHP with LED and TFT display technologies, and, with central dual redundant servers, operational control and IP network, the system architecture will provide TransPennine Express with a common point of operational control that's reliable and flexible, allowing all the rail assets in the network to be monitored more effectively.
The two companies have a wealth of proven experience in this field. Transmitton has worked with Network Rail and Thameslink (First Capital Connect), while Siemens Building Technologies Security Systems has worked with Network Rail in London and First ScotRail in Glasgow.
Ian Benger, project manager at TransPennine Express says: "This important project will make a real difference to the level and quality of customer service and security we offer passengers at our stations. Timely and accurate information is vitally important during any journey and the reassurance provided by CCTV monitoring is something our passengers have told us they value highly."
Speaking for Transmitton, Ian Wright, business unit director of Siemens Transportation Systems Rail Communications team comments: "We're delighted that this project is progressing well. Transmitton is now reaping the benefits of becoming part of the Siemens global family and gaining access to a vast pool of technological expertise and engineering excellence. Working closely with another Siemens company we are able to deliver powerful solutions to the rail industry. We're confident that the successful implementation of all 29 stations will lead to further opportunities as relationships develop between TransPennine Express and Siemens Transportation Systems UK."
A new £200million fleet of fifty-one 100mph trains is also being supplied to TransPennine Express by Siemens Transportation Systems.
For more information on this company:
Transmitton - Integrated Control and Asset Management Solutions for the Rail Industry
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