Digital Schedule System in Demanding Railway Environment

Brief

Railway route Ljubljana-Kocevje modernized its schedule and billboard signage with the deployment of 8 harsh environment, high bright LCD displays. With this acquisition, travelers will be able to better conduct their journey confidently, including taking any necessary steps in the event of delays. Making their life slightly less stressful.

Situation analysis

The route of the Ljubljana-Kocevje railway was first opened on 27 September 1893. After 2015 there was a strong initiative to modernize “forgotten” parts of Slovenian railway infrastructure and consequently relieve road traffic. One of such projects was the initiative to reopen passenger traffic on the Ljubljana-Kočevje railway line.

Modern railway stations require modern schedule information systems such as outdoor digital info points. Remodeled Kocevje railway station went for modern signage with LCD screens showing schedules at the outdoor waiting areas.

The main issue was to choose the right outdoor digital signs, that can reliably work in a demanding environment. All of the displays had to be made to operate in a very dirty environment, with high dust and toxic particles accumulation.

An additional issue was the worst agent of all and arch-enemy of electronics, carbon brake dust that will not only inhibit cooling and attach to external construction but will cause magnetic disturbances and short circuits on PCBs.

Solution

Slovenian Railways chose imotion FLOW outdoor digital signs based on proven thermal management and robust IP56 enclosure. An important feature in choosing imotion FLOW, was the technical software Controlmotion, which enables automatic reporting units’ health status for immediate reaction in case of failure and minimal on-site activities. Due to the importance of screen operation, such technical software was a must.

Public display

To cover the whole modernized route 8 imotion FLOW 46” freestanding displays were placed at major stops. Investment should improve passenger information quality and ease of its management.