Back on Track

Monica Wick, CEO and founder at RedCabin explores the myriad of challenges facing the rail industry

The UK’s rail industry is at a crossroads. Three years since the coronavirus outbreak and passenger numbers have steadily been increasing, with the latest data from the Department for Transport estimating they reached 80.3 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Following months of industrial action, these figures have dropped again but there is hope that 2023 can mark the dawn of a new era for rail travel. But what will that era look like when it comes to rolling stock interiors?

Flexibility is the focus

The latest Future of Rail Interiors Report – compiled at the RedCabin Railway Interior Innovation Summit – surveyed train operators, manufacturers, industry suppliers, and design houses from across the UK and Europe to analyse the major issues facing the industry and explore ways to effectively reimagine the next generation of rolling stock carriages.

The major trend to emerge was the desire for greater flexibility when it comes to passenger seating. Almost two thirds (58 per cent) of respondents marked passenger seating as the area requiring the most innovation, while more than 30 per cent stated flexible seating that enables operators to tailor interiors to passenger numbers and routes would have the biggest positive impact on the onboard experience.

Other innovations that would enhance the passenger experience include dedicated interior modules for work, socialising, and relaxation (18 per cent); enhanced onboard internet connectivity and power options (16 per cent); increased use of sustainable materials (twelve per cent); privacy dividers or doors fitted on seats/seat shrouds (eleven per cent); new seat designs specifically for passengers with reduced mobility (seven per cent); and greater use of AR/VR and digital technologies (six per cent).

Making accessibility accessible

Importantly, the survey also explored changing attitudes to accessibility onboard, with 81 per cent of respondents saying accessibility on both short and long-haul trains will improve in the next two to five years as new interior products are rolled out on networks across the UK and Europe.

Here in the UK, Southwestern Railways has been trialling the myEyes app that empowers customers with sight loss to navigate train stations with greater ease. Using Near Field Technology to provide audio directions, passengers are guided from the station entrance to the SWR Assisted Boarding Points on platforms. At these dedicated platforms, customers can get assistance whilst boarding the train with as little as ten minutes’ notice.

Greater Anglia’s fleet of Stadler bi-mode trains are the first in the UK to have both a low floor and a retractable step, which automatically bridges the gap between the train and the platform when at a station and makes boarding and disembarking a safer and smoother process for disabled passengers. This level of collaboration between operator and manufacturer is a prime example of how the passenger experience can be enhanced when there is greater transparency across the supply chain.

The Future of Rail Interiors Report asked which interior innovation would result in the most improved experience for passengers with reduced mobility. Wider entrance access and aisles (46 per cent) coming out on top, followed by more integrated disabled seating/seating areas (38 per cent). Other elements highlighted included revamped bathrooms with wider doors and increased handrail support (five per cent), as well as greater use of AI and display technologies to enhance audio and visual announcements (eight per cent).

Spotlight on sustainability

One of the biggest challenges facing many operators is how to make interiors more sustainable. Rail travel already has a significantly lower carbon footprint when compared to other modes of transport, but more can be done to deliver ‘greener’ materials and products for the interior.

While 78 per cent of respondents believe that sustainability will improve significantly by 2027 as new manufacturing approaches kick in, the survey showcased a lack of industry consensus on what area of innovation would enhance sustainability onboard the most:

• 35 per cent believe the focus should be on increased use of recycled materials and end-of-life recycling.

• 23 per cent said greater use of lightweight materials.

• 21 per cent stated an increased use of natural materials and fibres in the interior design.

Increased cross-industry collaboration on ‘green’ partnerships (13 per cent) and using technology to track and measure the environmental impact of interior parts across their lifecycle (seven per cent) were also highlighted as effective ways to enhance sustainability.

Despite the lack of agreement, new concepts have been released in recent months with the aim of kickstarting a fresh generation of sustainable rail interiors.

Priestmangoode unveiled Green Carriage, a new design vision for rolling stock interiors that promotes reductive, modular, and circular approaches to interior design. The concept uses super-light and skeletal seating components and a modular approach to construction to offer passengers greater flexibility in the carriage, from a simple stool to an enclosed, high-comfort booth. The seats are built using waste materials that can be recycled infinitely and lightweight mesh fabrics derived from recycled materials.

There is also a sleeve cover that uses undyed natural textiles for added comfort. Each element of the interior is tagged to ensure traceability and that recycling information is available when parts reach the end of their life – supporting the creation of circular economy.

Collaborate on challenges

There are several significant challenges facing the industry in 2023 and beyond. The majority of those surveyed (55 per cent) believe the biggest barriers to innovation in rail interiors are currently budget restraints post-pandemic and complex or restrictive regulations, followed by an over-reliance on existing interior layouts and designs (14.5 per cent) and a lack of collaboration by decision makers across the industry (13 per cent).

By coming together to share challenges, expertise and new ideas, the rail industry can work collaboratively to make the next generation of interiors more accessible, sustainable, and affordable – bringing the innovation needed to drive increased revenue for operators and offer a transformative onboard experience that makes passengers fall back in love with rail travel.

That is exactly what will be happening at the next Railway Interior Innovation Summit taking place from 18-20 April 2023 in Salt Lake City, USA – hosted by Stadler. Discover more at railway-interior-innovationusa.redcabin.de/

Monica Wick is CEO and founder at RedCabin