People often think that Germany’s train schedules are punctual, however, they in fact witness a lot of delays.
In order to help trains run on time more often, German rail operators are testing a new method based on illuminating the train platforms, reported the German news agency.
The trial aims to overcome the loss of time that occurs whenever a train arrives at a station because of passengers who do not know where the train stops and the exact spot where its doors will open.
The trial, which kicked off on Monday at No. 2, Bad Cannstatt station in the southern German state of Stuttgart, is based on deploying flashing lights on the platform to show passengers where they should stand to get on the train.
According to Deutsche Bahn (DB) officials, the system can do more than just show doors.
Cameras installed in the train, for example, can provide information to passengers about vacant seats.
The efforts are not only aimed at ensuring efficient rail performance, but also avoiding fines worth millions of euros imposed annually on railway companies because of inaccurate train schedules.
