‘Request to stop’ kiosks destined to be installed on Far North Line
is to install new ‘request to stop’ kiosks at eight stations on the Far North Line in the Scottish Highlands as part of a programme of improvements to the route’s radio signalling system. The kiosks will be installed at Scotscalder, Altnabreac, Kinbrace, Kildonan, Dunrobin Castle, Rogart, Invershin, and Culrain stations. Due to their geographical remoteness, patronage at these stations is among the lowest in the UK and consequently they operate on a ‘request to stop’ basis – currently requiring the need to hand signal approaching trains to stop.
The kiosks will allow passengers to request the next train to stop at the station, with the radio system in the driver’s cab alerting the train driver that there are passengers waiting to board.
They are set to be installed at Scotscalder station first, with the equipment being trialled alongside the existing system to test its reliability prior to them being installed at the other stations along the route.
Network Rail is also upgrading the existing radio communication masts and antennas on the line, and new equipment is to installed at Muir of Ord and Wick stations to improve radio coverage.
The infrastructure company says that the £5 million project will improve the reliability and resilience of the communications network across the route, in turn improving the overall passenger experience for those travelling on the line.
Cara Healy, Network Rail’s development manager for the work on the Far North Line, said: “Enhancing the radio network will make the experience of using ‘request to stop’ stations more straightforward and will cater for the increased number of tourists visiting the area, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. “We are working through the winter to get this equipment ready to go live ahead of the busier summer months.
“This new system will make it easier to use some of the most remote stations on our network and hopefully help encourage more people to travel into the Highlands to walk, climb, cycle and sight-see.”