Over the past year, we have seen rail passenger numbers fall significantly, and ridership remains low, even where Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. It is vital and urgent for the economic recovery and continued resilience of rail that operators can manage passenger demand effectively.

The public needs as much clear and up-to-date information as possible in order to feel safe. Which trains and carriages are busiest when? Where should I walk and stand?

The IRS Rail Webinars debate on “Restoring passenger confidence in rail: the power of demand management”, taking place on 7 July at 15.00–16.30 CEST, will address the problem of creating certainty in such uncertain times.

Organised in association with passenger flow experts Veovo, the session will explore how giving passengers the power to make informed decisions can boost confidence and spread demand. This would not only make travel safer but, just as importantly, can make it feel safer. The debate will focus on digital solutions in stations, on platforms, in trains and on mobile apps.

A live audience will hear from mobility experts including Marc Guigon, Passenger Director and Covid-19 Taskforce Chairman, International Union of Railways (UIC), Juan Tébar, Director of Rail Operation at Madrid Metro, Frank Ibe, Head of Bakerloo and Victoria Line Operations, London Underground, and Peter Knudsen, Managing Director, Veovo.

UIC’s Covid-19 Taskforce shares and develops worldwide best practice on mitigation measures to tackle the pandemic. Veovo has been helping airports and stations to measure, analyse and forecast passenger movements.

The webinar is free to attend, but places are limited. To register or to find out more, please visit: http://www.irits.org/irswebinars/restoring-passenger-confidence-in-rail-the-power-of-demand-management/