Rail tech revolution on track as Great Western Railway trials Whoosh’s real-time journey dashboard for customers
Great Western Railway has embarked on a revolutionary journey with the trial of new software that will allow customers to see real-time train service information.
The four-month trial of the digital platform from rail tech developer Whoosh began at the start of May and allows customers to see real-time journey information for the train they are on as well as real-time rail and travel information for every station in the country.
The digital platform, which is being trialled on board three trains, and also at Patchway and Newton Abbot stations, is accessed by scanning bespoke station and at-seat QR codes.
Customers simply scan a QR code to unlock a wealth of relevant travel information, featuring station info, onward journey planning and Welsh language options.
Whoosh’s recently patented ‘Tell Us’ functionality also enables contextualised fault reporting by passengers and staff onboard.
Whoosh already operates several successful journey information services for other UK transport operators. The tech company teamed up with Network Rail last year to provide personalised information across the UK’s largest stations.
Edmund Caldecott, founder and CEO, Whoosh, said:
“We’re incredibly excited for our trial with Great Western Railway, not least because it is our first multilingual version of the real-time journey platform. It allows us to demonstrate the cost-saving opportunities for TOCs while improving passenger communication – and therefore customer satisfaction – too.
“Stations without customer information screens (CIS) are typically unmanaged too, so now customers can simply scan the QR code and get all the CIS information they need, and more besides, at a fraction of the cost to the operator.”
GWR Development Manager, Mike Preece, said:
“We are pleased to collaborate with Whoosh during this trial period and look forward to seeing how travel technology can enhance communication with passengers across our network, helping to keep them informed and engaged throughout their journey.
“We are also excited to see how this trial could lead to innovative revenue opportunities and, most importantly, improved services for our passengers.”
For more information about Whoosh, please visit: https://www.whooshmedia.co.uk/
Contact Information
John Carter
Media and Communications Manager
Great Western Railway
0845 410 4444
Notes to editors
About Whoosh:
Whoosh won the King’s Award for Innovation in the Enterprise Category 2023. Their patented knowledge of dynamic QR codes and the understanding of exactly where a passenger is on their journey has enabled a suite of new tools that are transforming the customer experience across the transport sector and creating new revenue streams. Whoosh’s patented technology also won the Rail Business Awards Best Innovation 2022, Rail Innovation Awards Passenger Experience 2022 and Travolution’s Best Customer Innovation 2021. In a changed world that needs new ideas delivered quickly and reliably Whoosh are leading the way.
The business is proud to hold the following ISO Certifications: ISO 27001:2013 - Information Security Management; ISO 14001:2015 - Environmental Management Systems; ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety; and ISO 9001:2015 - Quality Management Systems.
Press information and images:
Geraldine Cooper, jshields@whooshmedia.co.uk
About GWR:
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us