New sensors are being introduced on London North Eastern Railway’s Azuma fleet to help passengers locate available seats.
They completed a trial where 36,000 ‘SeatSense’ sensors were installed above seats and wheelchair spaces and highlighted whether the spaces were available.
Previous systems had relied solely on reservation data to show which seats are available, leaving some seats empty.
The radio-wave technology is a railway industry first and proved to be around 98% accruate.
The partnership between LNER and Sensative AB aims to make journeys easier and allow passengers to travel more confidently.
“We’re incredibly excited to be introducing this highly accurate and innovative technology across our fleet of Azuma trains. The ability to provide this real-time information for both our customers and our colleagues is set to be a gamechanger for LNER and the rail industry. The sensors will not only benefit our customers, but they will also help us better forecast demand and ultimately support us in operating a more efficient and responsive railway.”
David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER
Responses
Does it include installing seat sensors on the Class 897 Serenza fleet as LNER are to replace the Intercity 225 fleet.
Great, but does it show when a seat has been booked and not available.
If a seat is booked but the occupant hasn’t turned up then it *is* available. Frankly I wonder what the point of this, though, is when LNER have effectively abolished walk-on travel.