Network Rail introduces new touchscreen passenger information displays

New touchscreens that provide passengers with live information about their journeys have been introduced at several major London stations managed by Network Rail’s Southern region.

Credit: Network Rail

Known as ‘totems’, the user-friendly displays are an additional tool to help passengers plan journeys when travelling from Waterloo, London Bridge, Victoria, Charing Cross and Clapham Junction stations, complementing the existing frontline station teams.

The totems, made by L.B. Foster TEW Engineering, provide real-time platform information, departure and destination times and details of any delay, as well as recommending alternative routes when there is travel disruption.

Stations Director for Network Rail‘s Southern region, Nicole Cohen-Wray, said: “Travelling by train should be easy and stress-free, and the key to that is making sure that passengers have all of the information that they need for their journeys – and can find it easily. Our team are always there to help – technology will never replace people – but these totems give an extra layer to passengers looking for information.”

Jason Webb, Customer Information Director at the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), said: “Network Rail’s totems are a great example of how rail companies are harnessing technology to deliver the accurate, timely and personalised information that we know that passengers want. As part of our Safer Travel Pledge, we’re also sending better information about train services straight to people’s smartphones, helping those who need to travel to do so with confidence.”

The totems also have London Underground maps, local bus information and maps of places of interest. The screens can also display important passenger information, such as COVID-19 messaging, and, like all key touch points in Network Rail-managed stations, the totems are regularly cleaned with an anti-bacterial spray so that they remain germ free.

Network Rail are working hard to roll out further functionality over the coming year, such as displaying the information in other languages, including British Sign language.