inform by L.B. Foster Set to Transform Accessible Travel Across Britain's Rail Network
Following the successful Welcome Points trial, which recorded more than 31,000 visits at 37 railway stations across Great Britain, L.B. Foster has been appointed by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) to deliver Welcome Point interactive devices for the nationwide rollout of Welcome Points across the national rail network. In a survey, 93% of customers said they were satisfied, while 99% of disabled customers reported a positive experience.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for L.B. Foster, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of intelligent passenger information technology for the transport sector and a major step forward in creating a more accessible, inclusive, and customer-focused railway for all passengers.
For one visually- impaired passenger who had not travelled by train for 15 years, the Welcome Point at her local station gave her the confidence to travel independently again.
L.B. Foster first partnered with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and participating train operators in April 2024 to develop Welcome Points for the trial. Designed in collaboration with accessibility groups, passenger advocacy organizations, and train operators, Welcome Points have been purpose-built to improve accessibility and support independent travel. Combining intelligent inform by L.B. Foster software with accessible design and resilient hardware manufactured at L.B. Foster’s Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Nottingham, United Kingdom, the solution supports the rail industry’s goal of creating a more inclusive railway while showcasing British innovation and engineering expertise.
inform by L.B. Foster combines intelligent software, accessible design, and robust engineering to deliver reliable, inclusive passenger communications when they matter most. With battery-backed resilience, IP65-rated durability and compliance with stringent rail industry standards, inform solutions are trusted by operators across the network to support safer, more accessible, and more connected journeys for all passengers.
The easily recognizable black and yellow Welcome Points serve as a dedicated assistance hub within stations, helping passengers access journey information, contact railway staff, and request support throughout their journey. By providing a clear and consistent point of assistance, Welcome Points help remove barriers that can make travelling by rail more challenging and support greater confidence and independence.
The units incorporate a range of innovative accessibility features, including technology specifically designed for wheelchair users and advanced assistive solutions to help visually impaired passengers locate the units and request assistance. A key accessibility feature is the integration of British Sign Language (BSL), which converts live rail information into dynamic video content, making real-time travel updates more accessible to deaf passengers.
“Welcome Points make it easier for passengers to find information and ask for help when they need it. The trial showed the difference that can make, including for people who may otherwise lack the confidence to travel independently. Passengers and accessibility groups have helped shape the program at every stage. Their insight, alongside the hard work of colleagues across the railway, has brought us to this national rollout. I’m delighted that more passengers will now be able to benefit.” Beverly Hooper, Welcome Points Program Director, Rail Delivery Group
“Seeing Welcome Points become a permanent feature across Britain's railway network is a significant moment for L.B. Foster team and for the wider rail industry. This achievement reflects our commitment to understanding passenger needs and delivering technology solutions that make a meaningful difference to people's lives. Through inform by L.B. Foster, we have focused on creating intuitive, inclusive, and accessible solutions that empower passengers to travel with confidence. The scalability of the platform means the benefits extend beyond rail, creating opportunities to improve accessibility across other transport environments in the future. Welcome Points show how thoughtful innovation can help make travel easier, more inclusive, and more independent for everyone.” Phil Burroughes, Head of Displays, L.B. Foster
“The deployment of the inform by L.B. Foster Welcome Points represents a landmark achievement for L.B. Foster. Following more than two years of development, testing, and collaboration, seeing the solution operational at major stations such as Birmingham New Street, Euston, and Liverpool Lime Street is both a proud moment and a testament to the hard work, expertise, and commitment of the teams involved. This milestone underscores the role of innovation and partnership in shaping the future of rail travel. By combining advanced technology with a strong focus on accessibility and customer service, the Welcome Point has been designed to deliver a smarter, more inclusive passenger experience and has the potential to benefit millions of rail users nationwide. We would like to thank our colleagues, the Rail Delivery Group, accessibility groups, train operating companies, partners, and supply chain organizations whose dedication and shared commitment have made this achievement possible. Together, we are helping to create a more connected, accessible, and customer-focused railway for generations to come.” Dagan Bradbury, Head of inform, L.B. Foster
While Welcome Points were initially developed for the rail sector, the principles underpinning the technology have wider applications across the transport industry, including bus interchanges, tram networks, and airports, where accessible information and assistance remain critical to passenger confidence and independent travel.
As Welcome Points begin to appear at stations across Britain, L.B. Foster remains committed to helping create a transport network that is safer, smarter, accessible and more welcoming for everyone.
