TDM delivered a full network-wide Help Point systems renewal for South Western Railway, fulfilling a Department for Transport Business Plan Commitment to replace every Help Point unit across the entire SWR estate. The programme covered all stations on the network, with TDM managing the complete lifecycle from initial site surveys and listed building consents through to installation, commissioning, and handover of 395 new Help Point units. As a result, TDM completed the project on time, within budget, and one month ahead of the contractual DfT deadline of 31 March 2025.
TDM began with detailed site surveys across every station on the SWR network. These surveys assessed the viability of retaining existing cabling and foundations, giving TDM the data needed to keep the programme within budget and reduce unnecessary civil works.
Where TDM found existing mass concrete foundations, the team carried out pull testing to determine their suitability for new mounting posts. Where foundations passed, TDM reused them, eliminating break-out works and reducing waste across the estate.
TDM ran consent management in parallel with the survey programme. The team progressed listed building consents and Network Rail landlord approvals simultaneously, so that approvals never became a bottleneck for installation.
TDM then carefully sequenced installation across the network to maintain operational continuity at all stations throughout the programme. Alongside the physical rollout, the team configured and commissioned the TDM NIS call management system, and produced and submitted full O&M documentation at project close.
TDM supplied and installed the following equipment across the SWR network:
TDM supplied all Help Points with Audio Frequency Induction Loop (AFIL) systems for hearing aid users, and tactile panels providing operating instructions for blind and partially sighted passengers. This ensured full compliance with DfT Design Standards for Accessible Stations across the estate.
TDM also upgraded the NIS call management system at the Basingstoke ROC (WICC), giving SWR a modern, centrally managed platform for Help Point call handling across the network.
The SWR Help Point systems renewal demonstrated TDM’s ability to manage and deliver complex, multi-site infrastructure projects across live rail environments, at scale and under contractual deadline pressure. A survey-led approach to foundations and cabling meant TDM reduced civil works and waste across the estate. Furthermore, running consent management in parallel ensured approvals never delayed the programme. Consequently, TDM completed the work one month ahead of the DfT Business Plan Commitment deadline, reflecting the depth of experience the company brings to network-wide delivery in operational railway settings.
