Pitane Image

With smart ideas and innovative solutions, Prorail is working on a track that is ready for the future.

Three new innovations for a safer platform edge can be admired at 's-Hertogenbosch station. This milestone was reached after more than two years of research and testing. PRORAIL, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency took the initiative for the platform edge protection innovation competition. Entrepreneurs were challenged to use an innovative idea to make traveling safer on the increasingly busy platforms.

the LED lighting strip

The number of travelers is expected to grow significantly in the future. As a result, platforms will become busier and more crowded in the future. Smart innovations must ensure that we can continue to use the platforms safely and efficiently.

The first innovation is the Intelligent Platform Bar Lite (IPBL) project from ForeyeT. This is a dynamic light strip with radar signaling. The bar indicates where a train stops and makes the location of the train doors visible. In addition, the IPBL signals when someone (unknowingly) threatens to be traced. The aim is to use light signals and sensors in the beam to create more distance from the platform edge and to achieve a better distribution of passengers. The LED lighting strip is located on platform 7A.

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Photo: Pitane Blue - station 's-Hertogenbosch

smart tiles

KITT Engineering developed tiles that detect crowds by means of sensors and then give a subtle signal for safer behaviour. This could be, for example, an arrow pointing to the left or right, in order to spread passengers better on the platform. The tiles work without being controlled by another device and are installed without cables. This innovation is being tested on platform 6A.

Hurdle

CCC Projects & Engineering developed a physical platform edge protection in the form of a fencing construction. The innovative fencing completely disappears into the platform when a train approaches. When the train departs, the sensor-based gate folds out again and prevents passengers from falling into the rail box. This innovation from CCC Projects & Engineering is located on platform 1.

The innovations are temporarily on the various platforms. By means of running current sensors, we monitor exactly what the innovations bring about. By also carrying out interim evaluations, we will ensure that the innovations work as well as possible and we assess what is possible for the future.

ProRail is constantly looking for innovative solutions to make the railway safer, more reliable and more sustainable. With this, ProRail tries to prevent disruptions and delays, to keep the track in top condition and to renew it. ProRail does this together with carriers, contractors, engineering firms, knowledge and educational institutions, suppliers and start-ups.

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