Delays, cancellations and overcrowding can make train travel a stressful experience for some.
But that could all soon change – if the ‘Train of the Future’ is anything to go by.
London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) predicts that within 50 years, train travel will become a ‘holistic experience’ that promotes passenger health and wellbeing.
By 2075 passengers may be able to enjoy views out of floor–to–ceiling windows, have a snooze in a nap pod and even request a ‘treadmill seat’ during their journey.
There could also be on–board pet zones as well as family playrooms and cinema–style entertainment.
‘Smart’ seats could take customer comfort to the next level, they say, with temperature and seat firmness adjustable in pre–saved preferences.
Ticket barriers could be replaced with facial recognition technology, while onwards journeys could be facilitated by individual travel pods designed for platform pick–ups.
One thing missing from the predictions, however, is the possible future price of a ticket.
The ‘Train of the Future’ could boast floor–to–ceiling windows and nap pods to promote health and wellbeing, the company said
Augmented reality windows could turn scenery into an interactive guide, overlaying historical facts and live travel data over the views
The future of train travel could look remarkably different to today’s carriages, where passengers sit close together and sometimes have to stand (file image)
To celebrate 200 years of the modern railway, LNER asked 2,000 passengers what advancements they would most like to see in 50 years’ time.
Other requests include wellness carriages, self–balancing food trays, odourless food, an onboard concierge for destination recommendations and neurodivergent–friendly areas.
Augmented reality windows could turn the scenery into an interactive guide, they said, overlaying history and live travel data on the views.
Even getting to the train could be made easier, they predict, with smart glasses which project glowing arrows to walk you to your platform.
Real–time updates could be delivered personally to passengers, ending the traditional loudspeaker station announcements.
Applied futurist Tom Cheesewright, who worked with the company on their vision, said: ‘Imagining train travel in 50 years means thinking about everything that will be possible – such as new technologies and innovations – but also thinking about what we will want and need from the trains of the future.
‘Where possibilities and need collide, we see a fantastic vision.
‘The train journey of the future will be smooth from start to finish, aided by AI planning, ticketless travel, and floor to ceiling windows.
Even getting to the train could be made easier, they predict, with smart glasses which project glowing arrows to walk you to your platform
Real–time updated could be delivered personally to passengers, ending the traditional loudspeaker station announcements
Passengers currently have to watch departure boards to find out what platform their train will depart from (pictured: Waterloo station in London)
Train travel can sometimes be a stressful experience. A Brazilian tourist previously shared a picture of his 71–year–old mother–in–law who was forced to sit on the floor of a London to Edinburgh train without access to a toilet for four hours
‘The train of the future will look like a science–fiction marvel: swooping and organic, powerful and quiet, and with an onboard experience that connects us to the countryside around us, or the digital world, or even a seamless combination of the two.’
He predicts that new technologies could allow UK trains to run faster, slashing travel times.
This would involve making trains more aerodynamic, using quantum computing and AI, he explained.
Meanwhile 3D–printed materials would allow for trains to be lighter, stronger and stiffer, reaching high speeds with much less energy.
Rachel Pope, Head of Digital Experience Strategy for the train company, said: ‘LNER has always been at the forefront of railway innovation, so it makes sense that now – while celebrating the last 200 years of the modern railway – we also look forward to what may be ahead.
‘From taking our beautiful views to the next level, to high–tech innovations in comfort and catering, through to continuing to drive sustainability in our sector – the possibilities shared by our futurologist are exciting.’
The predictions will be brought to life with the LNER ‘Train of the Future’, stationed at London King’s Cross from July 30 to August 1.
