UK’s £5M Rail Projects: FOAK, IntelliPan, & SafeRide

Introduction

The Department for Transport (DfT) has allocated GBP 5 million in funding for 26 rail projects, commencing on 2 September, aimed at enhancing passenger safety, minimizing disruptions, and improving the overall travel experience. The funding is distributed through the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) competition, in collaboration with Innovate UK.

Main Content

Funding and Project Overview

The First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) competition, now in its latest round, provides grant support for projects that trial new technologies on the railway. The objective is to increase the likelihood of these technologies being adopted by train operators, freight companies, and Network Rail. The projects selected this year concentrate on solutions that directly improve safety on rail platforms, protect passengers, and reduce incidents like bridge strikes. These choices align with the Transport Secretary’s focus on passenger experience.

Technology-Focused Projects

One of the funded projects, IntelliPan Network, will utilize artificial intelligence to detect faults on overhead lines. This technology aims to reduce the risk of dewirements, which can cause disruptions and delays. Another project, SafeRide 5G, will enable passengers to report incidents securely and privately using their personal devices via onboard Wi-Fi. The goal is to improve response times while eliminating barriers to incident reporting.

Additional Project Areas

Other projects will implement digital tools to prevent bridge strikes and accelerate maintenance processes. The goal is to ensure a safer and more reliable railway. Previous FOAK competition winners are already operational across the UK rail network, including the Portable Track Geometry Measurement System, which offers real-time track data to engineers. This system has reduced the time required to lift speed restrictions or reopen lines.

Statements from Key Personnel

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy stated that the competition winners are employing cutting-edge technology to address major rail industry challenges, thereby improving services for both passengers and goods transport. Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, added that the supported innovations will contribute to a more accessible, safer, and efficient railway system throughout the UK. The competition emphasizes collaboration with industry partners and focuses on delivering high-maturity demonstrations to ensure seamless integration into existing railway infrastructure.

Program Goals and Timeline

The FOAK program demonstrates the government’s commitment to modernizing rail and encouraging greater passenger use by trialing advanced technologies. The 26 successful projects began work on 2 September, with live testing scheduled in the coming months. The program aims to improve services, reduce disruption, and deliver a safer, more reliable railway as outlined in the government’s Plan for Change.

Conclusion

The Department for Transport (DfT) is providing GBP 5 million in funding for 26 rail projects through the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) competition, which started on 2 September. The initiatives are designed to enhance passenger safety, reduce disruptions, and improve the overall travel experience. The funded projects include technologies focused on overhead line fault detection, incident reporting via Wi-Fi, bridge strike prevention, and accelerated maintenance processes.

Company Summary

Innovate UK: Innovate UK is a partner in the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) competition, supporting projects that trial new technologies on the railway.

Network Rail: Network Rail is a potential adopter of the technologies developed through the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) competition.

Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI): IntelliPan Network will deploy AI to detect faults on overhead lines.

Portable Track Geometry Measurement System: This system provides real-time track data to engineers.

SafeRide 5G: This technology enables passengers to report incidents securely via onboard Wi-Fi.