The Passenger Department (Station Sector) and the Security Division of the UIC are delighted to join forces to launch a new network of experts on Inclusive Station. The first virtual meeting was held on 12 May from 15:00 to 16:00.

The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the objective of this experts’ network. On this occasion, over 10 railway companies from North America and Europe attended the meeting.

This network aims to bring together a wide field of experts, with different backgrounds and expertise, to understand how the station can play a bigger role than a simple railway infrastructure. In terms of urban fabric, the station is a component of the city’s infrastructure and the station needs to interreact in a socio-economical-societal context. The objective is to include every actor within the discussion to manage as efficiently as possible station resources for a better atmosphere in stations, enhance the passenger experience, their feeling of security and improve station management.

This network is not a working group but rather a discussion platform, to share thoughts and ideas, questions, feedback and compare different points of view. Thus, UIC has given members access to a new UIC extranet workspace called “Inclusive Stations” where members can ask questions in the discussion forum and share documents. In addition, for urgent matters, UIC can set up the Network of Quick Responders procedure to receive information from the network very quickly and give the required support to experts.

The next Inclusive Station network meeting is planned on 18 June at 14:00 via GoToMeeting. Jernhusen (Sweden), RFI (Italy), OBB (Austria) and PKP (Poland) will present their solutions to recovering from disturbing events in terms of station managements.

UIC hopes to keep growing the network with the participation of new experts across all regions.