Expected impacts

Fast Tracks

Users and their “willing to pay” for the innovation

FAST-TRACKS project proposes the development and commercialization of a low cost telecommunication system, which addresses the main problems faced at present in the integration of a traditional Wi-Fi system within the railway technological infrastructure. One of the major issues faced by railroads and mass transit operators has to do with passengers’ expectations in terms of users experience.

Indeed, passengers are accustomed to using Wi-Fi technology at home and in their office and enjoy broadband web surfing. Therefore, they expect the same kind of connectivity and user experience on board.

The need for mass transit Wi-Fi is clearly evidenced in a recent Ericsson Report3. According to the report, a significant portion of people commuting by public transport browses the Internet or visits social networks while commuting (e.g. in New York 48%, in London 40%). According to the key findings of the report, commuters feel that uninterrupted connectivity is a basic requirement and 55% of commuters are currently dissatisfied with data communication services while they are travelling. Thus, the need for Wi-Fi and broadband connectivity on board will increase exponentially and railway operators will be required to invest in their network to provide satisfactory passenger experience.

Involved final customers

The first target market to be served by FAST-TRACKS is represented by the following industries: high-speed trains, lightrail systems, subways and metro, trams, freight railroads. Other benefits deriving from the exploitation of the FAST-TRACKS system for users are the following:

Improved safety

Trains are automatically prevented from going too fast or getting too close to another train.

Improved performance

Trains are able to run at their optimum safe speed at all times.

Reduced running costs

There is less lineside equipment and hence less to maintain.

Improved reliability

Modern technology which is resilient and easy to update.

FAST TRACKS is a reliable and multiservice system, committed to sustainable mobility at a competitive price.

As soon as Comesvil will market deploy FAST-TRACKS in the rail signaling market, the company will start following its diversification strategy towards other sectors and industries. The following are the first sectors to be attained:

Other transportation sectors

Railway stations, airports and seaports. Thanks to FAST-TRACKS, the operators will be able to deliver to their passengers broadband and stable Wi-Fi; stream diagnostic data from vehicles for proactive maintenance; manage unmanned metro and subways using CBTC technologies.

Smart cities

Create a broadband wireless environment without any trenching, wiring or public service disruption.

Enterprise Backhaul

Connecting buildings that are widespread over a large area is a challenge against complex architectures, required licenses and permits, costly labor, and crowded conduits. Thanks to FAST-TRACKS operators deploy an enterprise-wide wireless backhaul saving time and money and without any trenching or wiring.