The Ford & Stanley team attended Rolling Stock Networking 2023 (RSN) on the 6th July, as thousands of stakeholders from across the UK and further afield came together under one roof at Derby Arena for its annual international rail industry showcase. The full-scale event promised to be bigger and better than ever before, this year focusing specifically on Passenger and Freight Rolling Stock, Technical Enhancements, Depot Equipment, Ancillary Services and the Rail Supply Chain in 2023.
And it didn’t disappoint in its billing – as a show offering low-cost, high-quality, rail market access to companies of all sizes, it also proved to be the ideal networking opportunity to secure new business as well as develop and strengthen relationships.
Freddie Matthews, Team Manager for Rolling Stock at Ford & Stanley (left) pictured with Ricky Wright, Team Manager for Ford & Stanley Talentwise , summed up the show and gave his insight into how the latest developments are shaping the UK’s rolling stock industry.
“The show has been great platform to showcase the potential of what the rail industry stands to accomplish over the next five years and beyond. After a turbulent few years for rail, now is such an exciting time for the industry and the show certainly reflected this. Globally, we’re in the midst of a digital revolution but really, we’re only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible via technology. The rail industry is no exception – it’s going to have a major impact on the sector and completely change the game which will benefit everyone.
“We’re already seeing tech innovations allowing operators to make travel more convenient for customers, with real-time passenger information systems, improved mobile connectivity and station developments all helping to encourage passengers to return to rail post-pandemic; this will only continue to evolve.
“For starters, digital mobility as a service is going to enhance the passenger experience immensely, enabling operators to deliver more real-time data and other communication services to users through an advanced information technology platform for them to access at the tap of a screen.
“This includes the development of digital display systems, which will also help make travel easier for passengers, as it will give information on capacity directly to passengers on the platform, on the train and via an app. This means that customers will be able to find a seat more quickly and rail operations become more efficient.
“Trends such as AI, automation and IoT, along with big data and analytics, are driving this monumental shift, with optimisation and efficiency at its heart.”
He continued: “Much of the industry’s sustainable progress has centred around electrification, but digitisation through the use of green IT will help operators further tackle sustainability to help reduce carbon emissions and therefore accelerate its greener transition. With rail already the most energy-efficient means of motorised passenger transport, capitalising on its environmental benefits as well as the advantages digitisation will bring will encourage more passengers off roads and onto rail.
“What this all adds up to is additional value for the passenger, and a golden opportunity for the industry to embrace, through the creation of more jobs and the attraction of more talent to help implement this smart infrastructure and fulfil the future potential of rail. It’s a win-win for all stakeholders and for anyone wanting to enter the industry, and I for one am extremely excited about its prospects.”
