Request-stop kiosk to go live on Far North Line at Scotscalder station
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A new digital request-stop kiosk is set to go on trial on the Far North Line next week as part of a plan to do away with hand signals.
The kiosk at Scotscalder, the first of eight that will be rolled out across the route, will allow passengers to access the next planned service electronically and eliminate the need to hand-signal the driver to stop the train.
The installation is part of a £5 million package of investment in the line's radio signalling system, with stations on the Far North Line benefiting from the addition of the request-stop kiosks on platforms.
Subject to the trial being successful at Scotscalder, the new system will be rolled-out over the coming months at Altnabreac, Kinbrace, Kildonan, Dunrobin Castle, Rogart, Invershin and Culrain.
Network Rail says that due to their geographical remoteness, the number of passengers using these stations is amongst the lowest in the UK and consequently they operate on a ‘request to stop’ basis – currently requiring the need to hand-signal approaching trains to stop.
The new kiosks will allow passengers to request an approaching train to stop at the station using a radio system to send a message to the driver’s cab requesting the train stop.
Passengers onboard wishing to leave the train at Scotscalder will continue to speak to the guard or conductor as at present.
Scotscalder has been selected as a trial location which Network Rail says will be closely monitored to ensure safety and reliability. Information will also be available on platforms initially to highlight the change to passengers and a period of dual running will be in place to test the system prior to it being rolled-out at the other locations.
As well as the installation of the request-stop kiosks, Network Rail has upgraded existing radio communication masts and antennas and installed new equipment at Wick, Kildonan, Invergordon and Muir of Ord stations to enhance radio coverage. This has improved the reliability and resilience of the communications network across the route.
Cara Healy, Network Rail’s development manager for the work on the Far North Line, said: “Enhancing the radio network will make the experience of using request-stop stations more straight forward for local people and for the increasing number of tourists visiting the area.
“Once the trial period is complete at Scotscalder, we are confident that the system will be ready to be rolled out to improve performance and the overall passenger experience for those travelling on the railway.
“This new system will make it easier to use some of the most remote stations on our network and hopefully help encourage more people to travel into the Highlands to walk, climb, cycle and sightsee.”
David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We are delighted to welcome request-stop kiosks on to the network with the improvements they will offer to our passengers using this rural line. Enabling the driver to be alerted in advance to the need to stop in the station, rather than being reliant on hand-signalling, delivers a safer and more reliable system, and means that trains don’t need to slow down at stations where there are no passengers waiting.
“This will improve performance and it’s a really positive step for the operation of the route.
“We look forward to a successful trial and the technology being rolled out to other stations on the Far North Line.”
The Scotscalder kiosk will be operational from Monday. Anybody with questions or concerns in relation to the project can call a 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit the Far North Line page on the Scotland’s Railway web site.
