Latest news with #TomCheesewright
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
How trains could look in 2075 - from nap pods to on-board cinema screens
Napping pods, smart seats and facial recognition – this could be the future of train travel in the UK. Train travel in the UK can be a rollercoaster if you're unlucky, with passengers facing delays and cancellations. While most people just want their trains to turn up on time and cheaper tickets, journeys could offer a lot more bang for their buck in 50 years. To celebrate 200 years of modern railways, experts have created a sneak peek of what passengers can expect from their journeys in 2075. Future expert Tom Cheesewright has predicted what comforts and features trains will boast as part of an exhibition by the train operator LNERat King's Cross. These include faster journeys thanks to more aerodynamic trains, quantum computing and AI technology. Also, long gone might be traditional train carriages we are used to seeing – the future trains could be made of new, slippery composite materials inspired by sea creatures and birds. The advanced 3D printed metal would allow trains to be lighter, stronger and stiffer, and reach higher speeds with much less energy. Facial recognition could replace the pesky ticket barriers one day. The most sci-fi prediction includes robot platform pods that would pick up passengers individually between platforms for onward travel. Even passengers might have evolved – so much so that train travel might no longer be about getting from A to B, but a wellness journey instead. Cheesewright, an applied futurist and author of the report Train of the Future, 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. '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' But what changes would passengers like to see in the next half a century? More Trending On top of the list is cinema-style onboard entertainment, a LNER survey of 2,000 people shows. High up were also wellness carriages, train nap pods, pre-programmed smart seats, pet zones, self-balancing food trays, family playrooms, odourless food, an on-board concierge for destination recommendation and neurodivergent-friendly areas. Luckily, you don't need to wait for 50 years for train travel to change. The government has promised a 'shake-up' of Britain's railways as train operators are brought back into public ownership as part of the Great British Railways. The first company that was renationalised was South Wester Railway, followed by c2c. The move is set to bring more punctual services, cleaner trains and better Wifi among other perks, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said. However, so far there has been no promise of cheaper train tickets under the Great British Railways company, which is set to be up and running by 2027. You can read more about what the Great British Railways is here. Train of the Future exhibition is open 9am-5pm at London's King's Cross station from Wednesday, July 30 until Friday, August 1. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: The 'charming' London borough where house prices are falling fastest MORE: Lionesses trophy parade: England celebrate historic Euro 2025 victory in London MORE: England's Lionesses parade route and timings confirmed after Euro 2025 victory
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
New ‘trains of the future' revealed with cinema-style screens and onboard nap pods
FANCY whizzing through the countryside with 360-degree views of the landscape through glass-to-ceiling windows? Or perhaps, getting your10,000 steps in as you travel from London to Penzance? 5 Train operator LNER has predicted what the future of travel could look like in 2075 Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group 5 Passengers could expect to see 'nap pods' and onboard cinema-style screens Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group Well, these things could appear on trains in the UK in the future , according to As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, which celebrate 200 years of modern railways, LNER and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright have predicted what we could see from trains in 2075. According to Cheesewright, in 2075 train carriages will have a focus on maximum comfort, entertainment and wellness. Instead of just transporting passengers from A to B as most trains do now, train travel could be an experience that promotes passenger Read more on travel inspo As such, trains could feature floor-to-ceiling windows, with 360-degree views of the landscape. Of 2,000 people asked, 57 per cent expressed how they would like this, commenting that gazing out at the countryside is often their favourite thing to do whilst on a train. And 60 per cent said they need constant entertainment whilst travelling. As a result, carriages could feature Most read in News Travel 'Nap pods' might feature too - which 22 per cent expressed they wanted as well. Speed remains a top priority for travellers , with 66 per cent declaring this is why they opt for Most glamourous train carriage in the world revealed with disco balls, library and private tearoom Cheesewright predicts that new technologies could help trains to become faster, slashing travel times considerably. This would start by making trains more aerodynamic, with complicated things like quantum computing and AI being used together to test thousands of designs at the same time. New materials could also help, with laboratories creating 'super-stiff' composites that can be made to a specific shape. And 3D technology could be used to print metals for the trains. Cheesewright added that the customer experience of getting to and on the train could improve as well. This could include facial recognition replacing ticket barriers. 5 There could even be facial recognition instead of ticket barriers Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group 5 LNER's 'Train of the Future' will be open for people to actually visit Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group Many travellers who were asked (44 per cent) shared how sitting back and relaxing is one of the main selling points of train travel. As such, 'smart' seats could be introduced in the future - where the seats would adjust to the customers' microenvironment, with temperature options and different seat firmness levels to choose from. The seats could also pre-save customer preferences. And for those who hate to sit still, there could be the option to book a 'treadmill seat' where passengers can get their steps in on All of Cheesewright's predictions have been brought to life in a first-of-its-kind train from LNER called the 'Train of the Future'. The futuristic train will be on show at The top 10 future train advancements Brits would most like to see on trains LNER asked 2,000 people what they wanted to see on trains in the future, and here is what they said. Cinema-style onboard entertainment - 36 per cent Wellness carriages - 23 per cent On train nap pods - 22 per cent Pre-programmed smart seats - 22 per cent Pet zones - 21 per cent Self-balancing food trays - 21 per cent Family playrooms - 19 per cent Odourless food - 19 per cent Onboard concierge for destination recommendation - 16 per cent Neurodivergent-friendly areas - 16 per cent Rachel Pope, head of digital experience strategy for LNER, said: "It's a very special year for the railway industry, we're participating in nationwide festivities, including various exhibitions showcasing the impact of the railways on society and celebrating the past, present, and future of rail travel." Tom Cheesewright, applied futurist said: "The train journey of the future will be smooth from start to finish, aided by AI planning, "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." The LNER 'Train of the Future' will be open from 9am to 5pm in London's King's Cross Station from July 30 to August 1. Railway 200 started in January and celebrates 200 years of the modern railway. Across 2025, the celebration will see a number of different events and activities for the public to get involved in. There is also a Plus, 5 People can explore the train from July 30 to August 1 at London King's Cross Station Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
New ‘trains of the future' revealed with cinema-style screens and onboard nap pods
Including the top 10 advancements Brits want the most TRACK ON New 'trains of the future' revealed with cinema-style screens and onboard nap pods Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FANCY whizzing through the countryside with 360-degree views of the landscape through glass-to-ceiling windows? Or perhaps, getting your10,000 steps in as you travel from London to Penzance? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Train operator LNER has predicted what the future of travel could look like in 2075 Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group 5 Passengers could expect to see 'nap pods' and onboard cinema-style screens Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group Well, these things could appear on trains in the UK in the future, according to LNER. As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, which celebrate 200 years of modern railways, LNER and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright have predicted what we could see from trains in 2075. According to Cheesewright, in 2075 train carriages will have a focus on maximum comfort, entertainment and wellness. Instead of just transporting passengers from A to B as most trains do now, train travel could be an experience that promotes passenger health and wellbeing. As such, trains could feature floor-to-ceiling windows, with 360-degree views of the landscape. Of 2,000 people asked, 57 per cent expressed how they would like this, commenting that gazing out at the countryside is often their favourite thing to do whilst on a train. And 60 per cent said they need constant entertainment whilst travelling. As a result, carriages could feature augmented reality with surreal scenes and gamification options, in the future as well as cinema-style screens - which 22 per cent said they would like. 'Nap pods' might feature too - which 22 per cent expressed they wanted as well. Speed remains a top priority for travellers, with 66 per cent declaring this is why they opt for train travel. Most glamourous train carriage in the world revealed with disco balls, library and private tearoom Cheesewright predicts that new technologies could help trains to become faster, slashing travel times considerably. This would start by making trains more aerodynamic, with complicated things like quantum computing and AI being used together to test thousands of designs at the same time. New materials could also help, with laboratories creating 'super-stiff' composites that can be made to a specific shape. And 3D technology could be used to print metals for the trains. Cheesewright added that the customer experience of getting to and on the train could improve as well. This could include facial recognition replacing ticket barriers. 5 There could even be facial recognition instead of ticket barriers Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group 5 LNER's 'Train of the Future' will be open for people to actually visit Credit: Mischief PR MHP Group Many travellers who were asked (44 per cent) shared how sitting back and relaxing is one of the main selling points of train travel. As such, 'smart' seats could be introduced in the future - where the seats would adjust to the customers' microenvironment, with temperature options and different seat firmness levels to choose from. The seats could also pre-save customer preferences. And for those who hate to sit still, there could be the option to book a 'treadmill seat' where passengers can get their steps in on long journeys. All of Cheesewright's predictions have been brought to life in a first-of-its-kind train from LNER called the 'Train of the Future'. The futuristic train will be on show at London King's Cross Station for three days between July 30 and August 1. The top 10 future train advancements Brits would most like to see on trains LNER asked 2,000 people what they wanted to see on trains in the future, and here is what they said. Cinema-style onboard entertainment - 36 per cent Wellness carriages - 23 per cent On train nap pods - 22 per cent Pre-programmed smart seats - 22 per cent Pet zones - 21 per cent Self-balancing food trays - 21 per cent Family playrooms - 19 per cent Odourless food - 19 per cent Onboard concierge for destination recommendation - 16 per cent Neurodivergent-friendly areas - 16 per cent Rachel Pope, head of digital experience strategy for LNER, said: "It's a very special year for the railway industry, we're participating in nationwide festivities, including various exhibitions showcasing the impact of the railways on society and celebrating the past, present, and future of rail travel." Tom Cheesewright, applied futurist said: "The train journey of the future will be smooth from start to finish, aided by AI planning, ticketless travel, and floor to ceiling windows. "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." The LNER 'Train of the Future' will be open from 9am to 5pm in London's King's Cross Station from July 30 to August 1. Railway 200 started in January and celebrates 200 years of the modern railway. Across 2025, the celebration will see a number of different events and activities for the public to get involved in. There is also a £5 scenic train journey in the UK right along the coastline – where waves crash against the windows. Plus, 12 of Europe's most beautiful train journeys are in Britain – with Victorian carriages and stargazing.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
New ‘trains of the future' revealed with cinema-style screens and onboard nap pods
FANCY whizzing through the countryside with 360-degree views of the landscape through glass-to-ceiling windows? Or perhaps, getting your10,000 steps in as you travel from London to Penzance? 5 5 Well, these things could appear on trains in the UK in the future, according to LNER. As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, which celebrate 200 years of modern railways, LNER and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright have predicted what we could see from trains in 2075. According to Cheesewright, in 2075 train carriages will have a focus on maximum comfort, entertainment and wellness. Instead of just transporting passengers from A to B as most trains do now, train travel could be an experience that promotes passenger health and wellbeing. As such, trains could feature floor-to-ceiling windows, with 360-degree views of the landscape. Of 2,000 people asked, 57 per cent expressed how they would like this, commenting that gazing out at the countryside is often their favourite thing to do whilst on a train. And 60 per cent said they need constant entertainment whilst travelling. As a result, carriages could feature augmented reality with surreal scenes and gamification options, in the future as well as cinema-style screens - which 22 per cent said they would like. 'Nap pods' might feature too - which 22 per cent expressed they wanted as well. Speed remains a top priority for travellers, with 66 per cent declaring this is why they opt for train travel. Cheesewright predicts that new technologies could help trains to become faster, slashing travel times considerably. This would start by making trains more aerodynamic, with complicated things like quantum computing and AI being used together to test thousands of designs at the same time. New materials could also help, with laboratories creating 'super-stiff' composites that can be made to a specific shape. And 3D technology could be used to print metals for the trains. Cheesewright added that the customer experience of getting to and on the train could improve as well. This could include facial recognition replacing ticket barriers. 5 5 Many travellers who were asked (44 per cent) shared how sitting back and relaxing is one of the main selling points of train travel. As such, 'smart' seats could be introduced in the future - where the seats would adjust to the customers' microenvironment, with temperature options and different seat firmness levels to choose from. The seats could also pre-save customer preferences. And for those who hate to sit still, there could be the option to book a 'treadmill seat' where passengers can get their steps in on long journeys. All of Cheesewright's predictions have been brought to life in a first-of-its-kind train from LNER called the 'Train of the Future'. The futuristic train will be on show at London King's Cross Station for three days between July 30 and August 1. The top 10 future train advancements Brits would most like to see on trains LNER asked 2,000 people what they wanted to see on trains in the future, and here is what they said. Rachel Pope, head of digital experience strategy for LNER, said: "It's a very special year for the railway industry, we're participating in nationwide festivities, including various exhibitions showcasing the impact of the railways on society and celebrating the past, present, and future of rail travel." Tom Cheesewright, applied futurist said: "The train journey of the future will be smooth from start to finish, aided by AI planning, ticketless travel, and floor to ceiling windows. "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." The LNER 'Train of the Future' will be open from 9am to 5pm in London's King's Cross Station from July 30 to August 1. Railway 200 started in January and celebrates 200 years of the modern railway. Across 2025, the celebration will see a number of different events and activities for the public to get involved in. There is also a £5 scenic train journey in the UK right along the coastline – where waves crash against the windows. Plus, 12 of Europe's most beautiful train journeys are in Britain – with Victorian carriages and stargazing.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
The future of transport: LNER reveals what its trains could look like in 2075 – including pet zones, treadmill seats, and odourless foods
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. 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.
