London Underground's Microwave OPO
Ensuring passenger safety and efficient processes for when passengers move between train and platform has always been a priority concern for rail operators. telent has been helping London Underground to prepare One Person Operation (OPO) systems to handle the upgraded rolling stock that will soon carry their customers on the Metropolitan, District, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines.
telent provide enhanced passenger safety system in preparation for London Underground’s investment in rolling stock.
About London Underground
London Underground carries more than one billion passengers each year, as many as the entire Network Rail network. Following the transfer of Metronet to Transport for London (TfL), London Underground took over responsibility for upgrading, replacing and maintaining infrastructure on the sub-surface lines (District, Circle, Metropolitan, Northern, Hammersmith & City) and BCV (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria) lines.
Customer requirement
London Underground is introducing longer, faster rolling stock on its lines to meet the demand for greater capacity. This investment in improved trains is coupled with efficiency initiatives such as One Person Operation which allows train drivers to act as conductor whilst at a platform. In order to ensure that passenger safety and security is not compromised, stations served by the new rolling stock require an enhanced OPO solution to provide drivers with a clear view of their train’s doors whilst at the platform.
Our solution
We have designed and implemented a microwave-based system – the first of its kind to be deployed in the UK - to meet London Underground’s need for improved passenger safety. This equipment takes images from up to eight high-quality CCTV cameras on each platform and, using sophisticated video processors, transmits a combined view of the train’s exterior to the driver’s cab via a microwave radio link. This allows drivers to see every door on their train, regardless of whether the platform is straight or curved.
Why choose telent?
With over 30 years’ experience working in the mainline and metropolitan rail sector, our domain knowledge and technical expertise is unrivalled. London Undergound approached us for independent guidance based on our expertise in video surveillance and microwave technology, as well as our extensive experience in working with London Underground.
The Result
telent has maximised the benefits that technology offered, designing a highly reliable and cost-effective solution to meet the need for increased passenger safety & security and efficient movement between platform and train.
In August 2010, the first new trains began to run on the Metropolitan Line, with all new trains expected to be in operation on the line by the end of 2011. This marks a milestone in London Underground’s longer term investment plans.
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