Network Rail and ATOS Wordline relations
Dear Network Rail Limited,
I'd like to ask a few questions regarding your station announcements, as well as how they operate, across your managed stations.
First of all, what is the reason for Network Rail choosing the ATOS system over other systems available? Is it convenience, cost, ease of use etc? I realise the ATOS system is widely used across the network by both NR and TOCs.
Secondly, some of the configurations of the system differ, depending on what station you are at. For example, London Waterloo, London Liverpool Street and Reading all have custom announcement scripts from the respective TOC they serve. Why is this?
For example, Clapham Junction and London Waterloo still use South Western Railways' 'custom made' announcement script, despite being under Network Rail management. "The next train to leave platform X" will be used instead of the classic "The next train to depart from platform X", for example.
The above differs to your 'classic' Network Rail managed stations, such as Leeds or Manchester Piccadilly, both of which have been using the same announcement scrips for many years.
Finally, how does Network Rail decide when a station will receive a software update? Some stations are able to announce additional features, such as current the location of a train, announcing as "This train is currently between X and Y station", whereas other stations cannot do this.
Yours faithfully,
Josh Rubio
OFFICIAL
Reference number: FOI2021/01383
Dear Josh Rubio
Information request
Your correspondence was received by Network Rail on 24 September 2021. I can confirm that your request is being processed under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). I will endeavour to respond to you as soon as possible and in any event by 20 October 2021.
I understand you are asking us to provide the following information:
I'd like to ask a few questions regarding your station announcements, as well as how they operate, across your managed stations.
First of all, what is the reason for Network Rail choosing the ATOS system over other systems available? Is it convenience, cost, ease of use etc? I realise the ATOS system is widely used across the network by both NR and TOCs.
Secondly, some of the configurations of the system differ, depending on what station you are at. For example, London Waterloo, London Liverpool Street and Reading all have custom announcement scripts from the respective TOC they serve. Why is this?
For example, Clapham Junction and London Waterloo still use South Western Railways' 'custom made' announcement script, despite being under Network Rail management. "The next train to leave platform X" will be used instead of the classic "The next train to depart from platform X", for example.
The above differs to your 'classic' Network Rail managed stations, such as Leeds or Manchester Piccadilly, both of which have been using the same announcement scrips for many years.
Finally, how does Network Rail decide when a station will receive a software update? Some stations are able to announce additional features, such as current the location of a train, announcing as "This train is currently between X and Y station", whereas other stations cannot do this.
if I have misunderstood or misinterpreted your request in any way please let me know as soon as possible.
On occasion we may need to consult with third parties about requests, in line with the recommendations in the Code of Practice issued by the Cabinet Office.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please remember to quote your reference number in all future communications.
Yours sincerely
Joanne West
Information Officer
Freedom of Information Team
The Quadrant
Elder Gate
Milton Keynes
MK9 1EN
Telephone : 07711 600283
Email: [Network Rail request email]
Web: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/FOI/
Diversity and Inclusion Champion
OFFICIAL
Dear Josh Rubio
Please find attached our response to your Freedom of Information request.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely.
Joanne West
Information Officer
Freedom of Information Team
The Quadrant
Elder Gate
Milton Keynes
MK9 1EN
Telephone : 07711 600283
Email: [Network Rail request email]
Web: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/FOI/
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