Passenger Information Software and Hardware

The combination of L.B. Foster’s powerful Inform Media software and its flexible suite of Inform display hardware is delivering critical content to passengers right where it’s needed.

Inform Media software

Software developers at L.B. Foster Netpractise are working with Network Rail and TOCs to develop our Inform Media disruptive communications technology. This is designed to put the needs of Network Rail’s passengers first, whilst supporting TOCs’ commitment to the Passenger Information During Disruption (PIDD) Programme.

Inform Media by L.B. Foster is a comprehensive, end-to-end digital journey navigator tool that brings together journey planning data feeds from a variety of sources. It has been developed to run on L.B. Foster’s Inform hardware range of mobile and fixed screens, combining the latest in high definition, touch screens with mobile, wireless and rechargeable technologies.

Damian McCracken is L.B. Foster’s operations manager responsible for the delivery of Inform Media. He says: “Inform Media is driven by an extremely powerful media generator, which provides plug-in applications that support ‘passenger first’ strategies. These include a train, tram, plane and bus locator visualised on maps, plus enhanced wayfinding and mapping tools, as well as walking, taxi and cycle hub links.

“What attracted interest from Network Rail and TOCs is that Inform Media focuses on the total journey line. This is based on a detailed analysis of actual passenger journeys, identifying critical touchpoints at which information is accessed. These include ticket booking, car parking, platform information for station arrival, where to go, security information and retail/food and drink opportunities.”

Tom Wood, Head of Stations Kent and Sussex at Network Rail was responsible for the cost, programme and quality of new technology implementation for the Southern region. Tom explains: “With COVID-19 there’s never been a greater need to provide brilliant communications to our passengers. That’s not just about communicating the steps we have taken to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in stations, but also about providing value-added information to enhance the journey experience.

“When I first saw the totems it was clear the positive impact they would have on the passenger experience in our stations and would improve the passenger information available.”

Inform Media applications include real-time live train information drawn from Knowledge Base and Darwin feeds. Inform Media’s unique, user-friendly journey planner visualises disruption and recommends alternative route options for customers. Additional applications include:

• timetable information
• station mapping
• customer user surveys
• advertising
• social media feeds.

Inform hardware

The Inform mobile all-weather wireless display is part of our Inform by L.B. Foster display system range, featuring wireless totems and wall mounted high definition displays, with options for integrated touch screen technology.

Dagan Bradbury is Product Manager for the Inform project. He explains: “The Inform hardware suite is designed to deliver powerful on-screen content wherever and whenever it’s needed to convey important information to passengers.

“There are two core delivery methods - our fully mobile totem or fixed, wall-mounted screens. It’s a powerful set of display solutions that is proving popular with Network Rail and TOCs.

“What they particularly like about our Inform totem is its capacity to be moved and set-up without the need for fixed power supplies. That’s because it features a high-performance on-board battery, capable of running for 24 hours on a single charge.”

Key benefits:

• Truly mobile solution
• Suitable for all-weather applications
• Exceptional battery life
• Wireless 3/4G communications
• Compatible with our powerful Inform Media software.

Ends

Editors notes

LB Foster delivers world-class engineering solutions in rail, energy and industrial automation. What we do keeps our world moving.