Improving Train Operation and Traveling Experience by Use of the Latest Communication Technology

This paper will show the technical aspects of IP technology on transit vehicles and its benefits and possibilities for operators and passengers. Increased requirements in train and railway communication require new communication technologies to be adapted in rail industry - to enable the use of new applications and the exchange of information with other information infrastructures. During the past few years Bombardier has strongly focused on implementing IP technologies on transit vehicles, which benefit from the fast technology improvements in office and network technologies, to meet the railway specific needs. This approach provides many benefits for the Transit Authorities. Operational benefits: (1) Lower cost by using open standard products supported by many suppliers; (2) Easy installation since higher system integration means less cables, smaller couplers, etc.; (3) Easy to maintain through remote maintenance; (4) Integration with ground system data networks; (5) Subsystem suppliers can access their systems for commissioning and quality follow-up; (6) Transit Authority can access train data.; (7) Remote train maintenance; and (8) Advanced diagnostics. Integration of new functionalities to the benefit of traveling experience: (1) Network cameras for security supervision; (2) Video entertainment; (3) Real time information to passengers and (4) Passenger information systems.