Network Rail is to run a trial of an On-Train Passenger Announcements (OTPA) system to provide clearer, real-time information when services are disrupted.

The system is being trialled from today, Tuesday, 21st July, on ScotRail Class 380 trains operating services on some of Scotland’s busiest railway routes.

The On Train Passenger Announcements system, developed by Network Rail, train operators, and the Rail Delivery Group, will enable teams in Scotland’s railway control centre to send announcements directly to trains.

The announcements will provide passengers with timely and consistent updates when their services are disrupted.

The system makes use of GSM-R, which is the railway’s own mobile telecommunications system, which covers almost all of the railway network.

Announcements are made using text-to-speech technology and can be updated in real time, with the technology complementing the existing customer information system.

The system also has the advantage that multiple trains can be contacted simultaneously, and there is no need for drivers to make extra announcements when services are disrupted.

The services and routes on which the new system is being trialled include: Glasgow Central to Ayr, Ardrossan, Largs, Gourock, Wemyss Bay, Lanark, Paisley Canal, Neilston, Newton, and the Cathcart Circle.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s Customer Operations Director, commented that it is important for customers to know how disruption is managed, and to have clear, timely, and accurate information provided during delays.

GSM-R has also made its presence felt in the preservation sector, with it being fitted to West Country Class Pacific No. 34028 Eddystone to allow it to haul rail tours on the national rail network.

The system was in the news in 2020 when a fault with the railway’s GSM-R network caused major disruption throughout Britain’s railway network.

“This is a really exciting step forward for passengers and the railway. Anyone who’s travelled during disruption knows that getting the right information quickly can make a huge difference, and this technology helps us deliver exactly that — directly to passengers when they need it most. We’re looking forward to seeing the benefits it brings for both passengers and railway colleagues.”

Jo Shelley, Head of Programme Management, Network Rail