A RAILWAY operator is to deploy technology made famous by NASA to improve safety and maintenance.

Northern Rail, which operates across much of the North of England, will deploy Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology across its fleet of 345 trains in a bid to make journeys by railway safer and more efficient.

Chief among the application of LIDAR technology are horizon-scanning cameras that can detect infrastructure defects, environmental threats and maintenance issues.

The train-mounted cameras use the same light detection and radar (LIDAR) process as used by meteorologists to measure clouds and pollution and which was famously used by NASA to map the surface of the moon.

Thermal imaging systems will also be deployed to monitor passenger load factors and provide accurate information to service partners in the event of an emergency.

Northern is also aligning its on-board CCTV systems with British Transport Police to enable officers to tune-in to live, high-definition footage on-board its trains.

Trains will be able to detect ‘bumps on the line’ as they pass over them, use mounted cameras scanning the roof of tunnels for loose bricks, and use sensors to spot energy saving opportunities, such as station lighting being left on during daytime as trains travel through platforms.

Nick Donovan, managing director of Northern, said: “This is the beginning of what we’re calling ‘Intelligent Trains’. With these modifications, our fleet won’t just travel the network, they will actively monitor and report back on issues that could have an impact on our operation.

“We are sharing details of this new software with other train operators so that passengers the length and breadth of the country can benefit from the approach we have pioneered in the North of England.”