The firm that operates Southeastern Trains is to upgrade its communications network to accommodate the potential acquisition of new railway franchises.
The Go-Ahead Group has begun the procurement process for a wide area network to connect more than 180 locations that will complete an overhaul started three years ago.
The group inherited an ageing IT infrastructure when it took over the franchise in 2003, and initially installed a network covering more than 300 sites.
The network provides secure and flexible real-time data communications between data centres, offices, railway stations and depots and supports customer information, ticketing, CCTV and back-office applications.
The company is seeking to connect locations in London and the South East and incorporate any new franchises it may win.
The group is bidding for the West Midlands franchise and London Rail concession.
The network should use technologies such as multi-protocol label switching to deliver traffic management, and virtual private networks for low-cost connectivity, says the firm.
Butler Group analyst Mark Blowers said: ‘Providing connectivity to remote sites is vital, particularly for a train company dispersed around the country.’
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