Four leading train operators in the United Kingdom are pooling their resources to initiate an ambitious program known as Future Labs. The companies involved are LNER, Northern, Southeastern, and Transpennine Express, and they share a common goal to propel innovation across the board, focusing on enhancing customer service, boosting performance, and streamlining operations.
This novel initiative will grant technology vendors a chance to pitch and test their solutions within actual operational settings for a duration of 12 weeks. Participants will benefit from the guidance of mentors and subject matter specialists from the participating rail companies.
Driving the project are innovation heads from each rail operator: Ross Welham from LNER, Christine Lefroy-Owen representing Northern, Southeastern’s Daniel Taylor, and Colin Kelly of TransPennine Express. They will be working in unison with Network Rail to steer the program.
Supporting the candidates throughout the 12-week endeavor are corporate innovation specialists from L Mark, providing necessary backing and expertise.
Danny Gonzalez, LNER’s chief digital and innovation officer, emphasizes the significance of this collaborative effort, “Through the collaboration of the four rail operators, we are taking the next necessary step towards embracing new technologies.
” He further remarks on the history of innovation within the rail sector, stating that many major advancements have been a result of this open-minded approach.
Future Labs is currently accepting applications until June 16, 2024, inviting prospective participants to tackle three core challenges identified by the industry: enhancing performance and operations, fostering the development of people and talent, and improving the customer experience.
L Marks’ CEO Daniel Saunders expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, “We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with the train operating companies to launch Future Labs. The programme is set to be unrivaled in terms of the depth of access, data, insight, and mentorship.
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For those interested in joining the Future Labs program and seeking additional details, information is available through their official platform.
