NORTHERN is trialling a mobile phone app which will provide on-train staff with step-by-step instructions to help passengers who become ill or are injured.
Currently in the first phase of testing, the app uses both GSM mobile signals and GPS positioning together with a digital interface which allows colleagues, control teams and operational staff to simultaneously liaise with each other and, if required, the emergency services.The £300,000 trial was funded by Innovate UK and will be developed further.
A second phase will look at automating the app by including tracking which train the user is on, as well as the exact location of the train on the network making it easier for emergency services to attend to a passenger.
Additionally, it will be integrated with the train’s communications – meaning the customer information system can updated with delays or other messages.