Translink, Northern Ireland's primary public transport provider, has joined forces with Tended and AMC Training & Consultancy to introduce geofencing technology to enhance the safety and operations of its railway projects.

Northern Ireland's leading transport provider Translink operates an extensive network of railway, bus, and coach services across Northern Ireland connecting key locations and providing essential transportation for many. With the upkeep of this vital network essential, people are placed in high-risk working environments every day to maintain and improve the railway infrastructure.

Recognising the importance of worker safety, Translink is implementing Tended’s geofencing technology. This innovation creates virtual boundaries on a worksite to provide location information and alert users to improve situational awareness, as well as support the management of plant and equipment. This helps to prevent accidents and incidents onsite, underscoring Translink’s commitment to safety.

Beginning this week, the project marks the first-ever application of geofencing technology on rail infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Its primary goals are to prevent near-miss incidents and ensure adherence to safety protocols under a T2 safe system of work, specifically to:

• Augment situational awareness: help ensure trackside workers remain within T2-protected areas, minimising the risk of them leaving safe working areas.
• Enhance safe site access: help prevent workers from accessing tracks before the T2 safety system is fully established.

Geofencing will be applied to enhance safety in this way during various types of work, including earthworks and drainage, permanent way track maintenance, and signalling and telecoms.

This project will leverage Tended’s advanced technology with the expertise of AMC Training & Consultancy; a specialist in providing the railway industry with safety training and tools to support the advancement of industry standards. Tended and AMC work in partnership to supply geofencing solutions and, following the successful implementation of geofencing with Irish Rail in Ireland earlier this year, together they are now bringing this innovative safety system to Northern Ireland with Translink.

Matt Cummins, Project Manager at Tended said: “As the rail industry prioritises worker safety more than ever, we’re proud to partner with AMC Training & Consultancy and Translink to bring geofencing technology to Northern Ireland. We’re incredibly passionate about this system and we’re eager to show how our geofencing technology can support Translink’s safety goals by reducing risks and helping ensure that teams can get on with their work safely.”

David Lowry, Head of Safety, Health and Environment - Infrastructure & Projects for Translink said: "Maintaining the safety of our staff, contractors and passengers requires ongoing monitoring, review and investment. To deliver a safe and reliable railway asset, skilled and dedicated personnel establish safe systems of work every day across our infrastructure. Committing to continuous improvement is a key driver to ensure everyone goes 'Safe Home Every Day. As part of this commitment, Translink is pleased to partner with AMC and Tended to trial the next generation of Track Worker Safety measures on Northern Ireland's railway and look forward to realising the benefits of enhanced protection for track workers."

Matt Taylor Managing Director at AMC Training & Consultancy Ltd said: "AMC Training & Consultancy Ltd is proud to be working with Tended on this important innovation, supporting Translink’s vision for a safer railway. This pilot marks a significant step forward in track worker safety across Northern Ireland, reinforcing our shared commitment to continuous improvement and protecting those who keep our railways running every day."

This project marks a significant advancement in rail safety within Northern Ireland, setting the stage for expanded use of geofencing technology across Translink’s network and reinforcing their dedication to worker safety and operational efficiency.