Covid Secure Travel Virtual Reality Simulation for Passengers

Official statistics from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) have revealed that rail passenger journeys across the UK fell to the lowest levels last seen in the mid-nineteenth century during mid-2020\. Working patterns are likely to permanently shift and travel be more discretional. Consequently, railways are going to need highly innovative approaches to increasing confidence in rail services, attracting back customers and welcoming new customers by providing assurance that travel by train is safe, and making it an enjoyable and productive experience.

Chrome Angel Solution (specialists dedicated to implementing transformational technology & enabling organisational change for railways) and subcontract partner Totem Learning (experts in digital solutions and Serious Games) are collaborating with Northern (operator) and Angel Trains (asset owner) to design and develop a highly immersive & interactive Virtual Reality Simulation experience of the Covid Secure Travel arrangements and customer support in place at stations & on trains.

This will enable passengers to explore and interact with them in operation, providing reassurance about the measures in place to protect passengers during the current pandemic (and creating a resilient toolset for managing any future wave or new virus), whilst also creating a powerful positive perception of the travel experience and customer service offered.

The Virtual Reality Simulation will be installed on individual's mobile touch devices/tablets and desktop PCs through app stores and websites, enabling rapid deployment to large numbers of people. Mobile devices in VR Headsets (e.g. Google Cardboard) will provide a fully immersive and interactive experience of the journey for those who want it. Others may prefer touch screen interactions or large screen versions on PCs will also provide greater accessibility for those that need it.

Applying proven technology and "Serious Game" approaches increasingly used successfully in other industries, this Virtual Reality simulation will provide an immersive interactive experience available on passenger devices that will directly support and encourage customers to travel on Northern Trains. Realistic Virtual Reality will enable passengers to experience their journey and the specific arrangements in place to ensure their safety in advance, providing clear information that all passengers can access and understand whilst building familiarity and confidence to travel. Once proven, it can be deployed rapidly and in scale to support Northern engaging with customers to rebuild confidence in travel.