The future of transport: LNER reveals what its trains could look like in 2075 – including pet zones, treadmill seats, and odourless foods
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.
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.
Real–time updated could be delivered personally to passengers, ending the traditional loudspeaker station announcements
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
7 hours ago
- Metro
One of the UK's busiest commuter trains is is bringing back first-class travel
Commuters on Chiltern Railways could travel to work in style, as the rail operator is reintroducing first-class carriages. The upgraded train class will offer 'spacious seats and improved connectivity for business and leisure travellers.' It's a big shake-up for Chiltern, as first-class seating hasn't be available in more than a decade. This is likely because their services, which connect London toBuckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands, are used by regular commuters, rather than passengers treating themselves on longer journeys. But while it sounds boujee, you'll still need to bring snacks, as this first-class offering doesn't include any food or drink, unlike those found on LNER and Avanti West Coast routes. While it might sound stingey, a spokesperson for Chiltern Railways told Metro that they 'don't believe that the market warrants a full catered offering at this point in time'. But added: 'There is a demand, especially in the leisure market, for greater differentiation in products.' However, not all experts agree, and there are concerns that the move to first-class echoes the snooty heyday of premium travel. Rail historian Christian Wolmar's said first-class is 'an outdated concept from the days of bowler-hatted gentlemen in their first-class compartment while their secretaries sat in second.' 'That era has gone. I think for those sort of services, there are very few people who would really want to pay for a premium,' he told the The Independent. The introduction of a first-class carriage isn't the only way Chiltern trains are being upgraded. Some of the trains still have carriages that date back to the 1970s. These will be swapped out to newer models, which will include: plug sockets and USB ports at every seat faster internet access digital information screens air conditioning improved luggage and bike storage facilities fully accessible toilets Chiltern passengers have long been calling for improvements to the services, as over on the r/uktrains Subreddit, @Head_Praline_5193 previously asked: 'Will Chiltern ever get any better?' 'Chiltern trains are frequently overcrowded on all routes…it seems poorly served compared to just about every other mainline,' they penned. More Trending Tripadvisor reveals similar views, with one scathing one-star review from MixalisK142 describing their experience as 'awful.' 'I have never found a seat on this railway. I have to pay almost £40 every time to stand for an hour and a half. There are always more than 10 people standing in each coach,' they argued, while @davidpC9073NE concluded that their journey was 'poor.' 'If I had a choice, I would never travel using this railway again.' Meanwhile, Chiltern told Metro that they 'look forward to offering an enhanced offering for all our customers.' According to data released in 2024 by the Department for Transport, Chiltern runs the second busiest train route in England and Wales: the 7.46am service from Princes Risborough to London Marylebone. The maximum load factor was calculated by dividing the passenger load of the carriages (excluding first-class) by the total capacity, and this popular commuter service had a rating of 165%. It was only topped by the 7.33am Thameslink service from Bedford to Three Bridges, at 204%. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Famous actress sexually assaulted by masseur in central London parlour MORE: I spent a day on the luxury Pullman for £10 — a wine-fuelled trip back in time MORE: Retro cocktail bar collapses into administration closing four branches
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Roads and railways shut by Storm Floris as high winds batter UK
Storm Floris has brought travel disruption to northern parts of the UK, with roads and railway lines blocked by fallen trees amid high winds. Gusts of about 85mph are expected in exposed parts of the country as the storm moves northward throughout Monday. In Scotland, police have warned drivers to stay away from two roads in Aberdeenshire and the Western Highlands – which were blocked by fallen trees and overturned campervans respectively. Bridges such as the A9 Dornoch Bridge, Highlands, and the A1 Tyne Bridge in East Lothian were also closed due to high winds. A number of rail lines in Scotland were blocked by fallen trees, including one near Cornton in Stirling which landed on overhead wires. Crews were also called out to cut back fallen trees from the line near Giffnock, East Renfrewshire. A yellow warning for wind for northern parts of the UK became active at 6am on Monday, lasting until 6am on Tuesday. Central and northern Scotland are covered by a more serious amber warning from 10am to 10pm on Monday. A number of train services were halted at midday and ferry sailings have been cancelled. Train operator LNER has told passengers not to travel north of Newcastle while Avanti West Coast has advised passengers not to travel north of Preston, warning it will be 'heavily impacted' by the weather. On Monday afternoon, a number of roads were blocked by the storm, including: the A96 in Aberdeenshire, the A87 and the A82 in the western Highlands. The west of Scotland saw heavy rain early on Monday morning, with winds picking up later in the day. Western coastal areas are expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Storm Floris has also impacted Edinburgh's busy festival period, with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo cancelling its Monday performance. A Scottish Government minister said it is 'imperative' that people follow advice as Storm Floris hits the country. Justice Secretary Angela Constance told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland news programme: 'Storm Floris is well and truly with us today and it's imperative that people follow advice because there will be significant disruption on our travel network.' She said anyone who has to travel is likely to face disruption and should plan ahead, adding: 'Consider this a winter journey as opposed to a summer journey. 'Please make sure you've got warm clothes, food, water, plenty of fuel and that your mobile phone is charged up.' Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: 'Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts in Scotland. 'There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.' The strongest winds will most likely affect Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but 'there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris', a spokesperson added. 'Winds will first ease in the west later during Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. 'Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.' The warning zone covers Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August. January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Tourist attractions and travel disruption as Storm Floris arrives
A yellow weather warning for strong winds of up to 70mph across North and West Yorkshire has been issued, bringing travel disruption and visitor attraction Howard, Forbidden Corner, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Nunnington Hall and Nostell Priory were amongst sites to announce they would be closed on travel is also affected; LNER and TransPennine announced services would not be operating north of Newcastle; Northern employed a reduced service between Leeds, Ilkley, Bradford and Floris is expected to also bring heavy rainfall to some parts of northern England, and the warning is expected to stay in place until 23:59 BST tonight. York Maze, Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Beningbrough Hall also closed, and the Yorkshire Arboretum will shut from12:30 Pickering Market was cancelled, according to North Yorkshire Council. Piglets Adventure Farm in York announced on social media it had made the "difficult decision" to not open to the public. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
