KeTech Passenger Information System showcased at COP26

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KeTech’s Passenger Information System (PIS) is being demonstrated at COP26 onboard HydroFLEX, the UK’s first hydrogen powered train.

HydroFLEX, a collaboration between Porterbrook and the BCRRE, is the first train retrofitted to operate under hydrogen power and the first hydrogen powered train on Britain’s railway. It is capable of drawing power from overhead wires and, where these don’t exist, operating in self powered mode using hydrogen fuel cells and batteries.

In 2019, KeTech was awarded a position on Porterbrook’s Innovation Hub; a static train that doubled up as a unique platform for the top industry innovators to display pioneering ideas that optimize efficiency and enhance passenger experience. KeTech was selected to showcase its real-time Passenger Information Systems (PIS) and expertise in combining all available data on and around the train/station environment, delivering relevant, uniform information to passengers in real-time.

KeTech’s PIS was a success at the innovation hub. The system is one of a kind due to the multiplicity of data it processes and presents to passengers. It updates every second to ensure the information is current and provides delay reasons, onward journey information, journey progress and much more.

Porterbrook selected KeTech as a partner for the HydroFLEX project due to the high level of intelligence its PIS provides.

KeTech’s Sales Director Paul Warren said, “The team were thrilled when we were chosen to be part of such a ground-breaking project, although it was hard to keep it under wraps in the early days of the project! KeTech provide cutting-edge passenger information, creating a seamless journey which ultimately encourages more people to make the switch from road to rail which is so important, now more than ever.”

A total of 16 KeTech Passenger Information Screens will be onboard HydroFLEX. Ordinarily, the system’s core function is to present a multitude of real-time information relevant to the service running.

During COP26 the train will run with no stops, limiting the information able to be displayed. In this instance, Porterbrook will use the opportunity to display a series of pages highlighting the details of the conference and the train.

Porterbrook’s Innovation and Project Director, Helen Simpson said, “Porterbrook selected the KeTech PIS system for its HydroFLEX programme due to the completeness of the package on offer and our continued approach to supporting the local SME supply chain. The system itself provides the ideal mix of innovation, flexibility and proven pedigree for what is required for our unit.”

Photo Credit: HydroFLEX

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