REAL-TIME CIS - LOUD AND CLEAR

Many of the UK train operating companies (TOCs), working in partnership with Railtrack, have commissioned new passenger information projects, as a result of a new focus on quality of information provision to their customers. These projects aim to provide real-time public audio and visual information across all stations used by TOCs. The first article in this feature describes systems, now being implemented, which are based on a development of the Datel Ferranti Group's flight imformation display system, which is now successfully used in many airports worldwide. The new-generation customer information systems (CIS) display factual, timely, appropriate, accurate audiovisual information. They take train position information automatically from the signalling system and other devices, and compare it with timetable information from the train services database. The article describes the system topology, and indicates possible future enhancements. The second article reports on the implementation of the upgrade in customer information on the 291 stations managed by Wales & West Trains, Cardiff Railways, and First Great Western. All this new visual display and audio passenger information is due to be operational by November 1999. First Great Western has commissioned DatelRailSystems to design and install its system.