UK: LNER Begins Implementation of New Delay Prediction Tool

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has begun the implementation of new machine learning technology to help predict train delays following a successful trial at both Peterborough and Newark Northgate stations.

The tool, which has already helped to avoid more than 450 potential delays at the aforementioned stations, takes data from previous train performance before adding situational factors such as passenger number and weather conditions to predict potential issues before they occur.

The new technology is currently being made available to staff members via their LNER mobile phone units, allowing station teams to better prepare for any previously unforeseen circumstances.

Steven Lloyd, Machine Learning Product Lead for LNER, said:

We saw an opportunity to provide a solution for our teams, which would help them to not only deliver fantastic service to customers, but also enable them to get ahead of any potential issues. This solution really is the embodiment of the saying ‘to be forewarned is to be forearmed.’ It highlights pinch points, enabling teams to be proactive in reducing the reason for delay.

The data captured from the trial has been positive, so we’re now rolling out the capability across our whole station network. It’s not just the time saved either, we’re also considering the carbon savings of trains being on the move more and dwelling at platforms less. So, this solution may have even more benefits than initially estimated.