Connectivity is key for the long-term success of US passenger rail
- Pinnacle Team
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
The Need for Digital Trains in the U.S.
The latest trains include more than a dozen onboard systems, such as GPS, an onboard data recorder, real-time passenger information, and other dedicated solutions for security and operations. Historically, many of these tools have been installed and operated as standalone systems, each with its own power and connectivity. Each of these separate systems increases the overall complexity of train operation and maintenance while taking up more physical space on the train itself.
This lack of interoperability among onboard systems limits a rail operator's ability to introduce new passenger services. For example, if a passenger counting system were to operate on the same network as a passenger information system, the rail operator could quickly and seamlessly display full and empty cabins, allowing passengers to move to empty ones for a more comfortable experience. If these two systems are separate, even this basic service cannot be implemented.
U.S. rail operators, and the U.S. rail industry as a whole, can no longer afford to think of these systems in isolation. Instead, every system upgrade or replacement must be considered in the context of the entire train.
There are two paths for a rail operator to successfully adopt a digital train strategy. When considering how to upgrade a fleet, they must choose between a comprehensive approach, upgrading all systems at once with an all-in-one solution, or a phased approach with individual improvements. While some European and UK rail operators have found success with a complete overhaul of their fleets, a phased strategy would be more realistic for most U.S. rail operators.
Rethinking Your Strategy for a Digital Train
A digital train strategy begins and ends with rethinking relationships and strategy. To pursue a digital train strategy, a rail operator must reconsider its relationship with its equipment. In the past, equipment was often sold as a "fit and forget" system that could be installed and operated with minimal ongoing oversight and maintenance. The next generation of onboard technology requires more expertise and management.
When systems don't work properly, passengers are, understandably, frustrated. Poor Wi-Fi and inaccurate passenger information are common complaints among U.S. rail passengers. Rail operators need to take a long-term view of their digital train initiatives and recognize that short-term growing pains will lead to a more comfortable and innovative passenger experience in the future.
As railway companies upgrade their fleets, they will need to hire new personnel to manage the health and stability of the systems. For their long-term survival, transport companies must become technology companies and hire IT professionals to do so.
Some rail operators may be hesitant to take on the additional cost, but they will find a trade-off in the reduced maintenance costs associated with isolated, fragmented systems. Instead of needing to install, maintain, and replace multiple connected platforms, they only have to manage one comprehensive system.
The increased integration of onboard systems also presents new cybersecurity challenges. Rail operators have a legal obligation to protect passenger data and must perform extensive penetration testing and provide support to ensure their systems comply with local regulations. However, it should be noted that while the overall need for cybersecurity increases as a result of a digital train strategy, the overall risk does not increase just because the systems are combined into a single connected platform. Network segmentation can be used to isolate any intrusion to a single area, significantly reducing overall exposure and risk.
Long-Term Impact
Because U.S. rail operators use federal funds to upgrade their fleets, the choices they make have long-term impacts on both passengers and their organizations. Adopting a single-connectivity solution opens the door for future integration of new technologies and continuous upgrades to the passenger experience. Maintaining siloed systems leaves rail operators stuck in place, unable to keep pace with modernization.
When passenger rail operators provide a truly modern customer experience, they can compete with private vehicle travel and steadily increase ridership. Instead of being stuck behind the wheel of a car, passengers can stay connected, productive, and enterta1ined during their journey.
This customer experience can only be achieved through exceptional connectivity, and a digital train is an essential strategy for the long-term stability and growth of the rail industry.
May 6, 2024
