CIS and PA System Installation: Isle of Wight Island Line

TDM delivered CIS and PA system installation across five Island Line stations on the Isle of Wight for South Western Railway in 2022–2023. The stations – Ryde St John’s Road, Brading, Sandown, Lake, and Shanklin, were part of a Department for Transport Business Plan Commitment, requiring full completion by 31st March 2023. Brading station, as a listed building, required special finishes and additional planning considerations, adding a further layer of complexity to an already challenging programme.

Key Challenges

  • Limited pre-existing cable routes between platforms
  • Difficult access requiring extensive line blocks or track possessions
  • Listed building constraints at Brading station requiring specific finishes
  • Complex connectivity requirements across island platforms
  • Need for innovative solutions to avoid extensive civil engineering works
  • Requirement to maintain passenger services throughout all installation activities

Objectives

  • Install PA systems at all five stations
  • Install free-issued CIS displays at each location
  • Design and manufacture bespoke mounting brackets and columns
  • Provide induction loop panels for accessibility compliance
  • Mount control equipment in newly installed external cabinets
  • Deliver all electrical installations and certifications
  • Complete works at Brading listed station with appropriate planning considerations

CIS and PA System Installation: Our Process

To ensure successful delivery within the tight DfT deadline, TDM began with comprehensive site surveys across all five stations. As a result of these surveys, we were able to design bespoke mounting solutions tailored to each individual location.

In addition to this, we took a thorough approach to technical planning:

  • Selected Altron AEC external equipment cabinets for all control systems
  • Implemented Zenitel (ASL) audio systems with Penton loudspeakers throughout
  • Developed a point-to-point Wi-Fi bridge solution to provide remote platform connectivity without extensive civil works
  • Demonstrated full proof of concept in TDM’s Crawley systems suite before deployment, therefore minimising on-site risk

Solutions: Innovative Connectivity Approach

Where platforms lacked IT network connectivity, we utilised 4G-enabled Infotec displays rather than undertaking costly infrastructure works. Furthermore, a Wi-Fi bridge solution was implemented for IP-based loudspeaker audio delivery, significantly reducing both programme duration and cost.

  • Installed Ampetronic HLS-2C induction loop panels for hearing accessibility
  • Designed civil works for equipment cabinet and CIS column installations
  • Provided NICEIC-certified electrical installations compliant with BS7671 standards throughout

Benefits

  • Successfully met the DfT Business Plan Commitment deadline of 31st March 2023
  • Delivered the project on time and within the £217,207 budget
  • Provided comprehensive O&M documentation for ongoing maintenance
  • Enhanced passenger information services across the entire Island Line network
  • Demonstrated innovative technical solutions that reduced infrastructure disruption
  • Established a template approach for similar rural railway installations

Conclusion

The Isle of Wight project showcased TDM’s ability to deliver complex multi-site CIS and PA system installation within tight deadlines, whilst working within heritage constraints. Consequently, the innovative use of 4G connectivity and Wi-Fi bridges eliminated the need for extensive civil engineering works, reducing both costs and programme duration.

This project therefore established TDM’s expertise in rural railway environments and provided a proven model for future CIS and PA deployments across challenging geographical locations.

CIS-PA installation at brading railway station isle of wight
CIS and PA system installation at shanklin station