High-tech LiDAR sensors installed on rail maintenance trains are being used to provide accurate measurements of station platforms used by Southeastern train services.

The work is associated with the upgrading of Southeastern’s Metro fleet to help improve the accessibility of new Southeastern trains.

Artificial intelligence technology is being used by Cordel to obtain accurate data and imaging of all platforms on the metro network.

Cordel, appointed by Southeastern and Network Rail to carry out the measurements, installed sensor technology on two Network Rail maintenance trains.

They use Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and AI-processing services to provide 3D models and highly accurate measurements of all Southeastern’s metro station platforms.

The trains will continually collect data as they travel across the network and feed it back to Cordel for analysis and sharing with Southeastern.

The measurements have been increasingly needed as station platforms have been built and updated over many years, resulting in considerable variations in their height, shape, and curvature.

Once the information has been collated, it will help support manufacturers’ designs in maximising unassisted boarding, which is a key part of Southeastern’s commitment to improving capacity and accessibility with the introduction of new or improved trains on the Metro network.

The provision of level boarding will assist customers in wheelchairs, with mobility challenges, luggage, or pushchairs to board and leave trains, helping to provide a more inclusive and accessible railway.

Installation of this new technology on existing maintenance units will enable an accurate picture of Southeastern’s metro network, and provide train manufacturers and suppliers the data needed to support its vision for a better, more reliable and sustainable railway.

Southeastern has recently completed a £2.6 million programme at over 20 stations to improve station facilities including booking offices, toilets, waiting rooms and station ramps.

“We want our upgraded Metro fleet to be a game changer for customers, not only in terms of performance and operating costs but also a major step forward for accessibility, too. However, we also know simply getting new trains won’t fix the historic issues we face across our railway. Our joint work with Network Rail and Cordel will, for the first time, provide highly accurate, 3D measurements of our platforms, including their height, curvature and gaps from trains. This information will be absolutely invaluable for manufacturers and suppliers to provide the best possible train for the Southeastern network. Work is already underway on our network and we look forward to the first data arriving in the coming weeks. “

Mark Johnson, Engineering Director at Southeastern Railway