Lighting as Critical Infrastructure for Modern Rail Networks
With rising fuel costs, increasing congestion and growing demand for low-carbon transport, rail travel is central to the shift toward more sustainable mobility. Yet many station environments still rely on outdated or inefficient lighting systems that fall short of modern expectations for safety, comfort and energy efficiency. Upgrading these systems represents a significant opportunity to reduce operational costs, enhance passenger confidence and support industry-wide decarbonisation goals.
With decades of experience delivering lighting across transport networks and public spaces, Schréder helps rail operators create safer, more efficient and future-ready environments.
Supporting Rail Networks with Future-Ready Lighting
Lighting plays a critical role in the performance of railway infrastructure. From platforms and car parks to tunnels, footbridges and station forecourts, each area requires a carefully considered approach to illumination.
Effective lighting improves visibility, enhances passenger safety and supports accessibility, particularly during night-time operation and off-peak hours. Well-lit spaces help passengers navigate complex environments more confidently while reducing areas of shadow or poor visibility that can contribute to safety concerns.
At the same time, rail operators face increasing pressure to reduce energy consumption and manage assets more efficiently. Transitioning to LED lighting and integrating intelligent control systems enables operators to achieve both objectives: lowering energy use while maintaining high standards of safety and operational performance.
Every train journey begins and ends in a station. These spaces shape how travellers perceive the entire rail network. As gateways to towns and cities, modern stations must offer safe, welcoming environments that operate efficiently around the clock.
Jeremy Palmer
Managing Director - Urbis Schréder, UK & Ireland
Smarter Network Management with Schréder EXEDRA
A key tool in this transition is Schréder EXEDRA, our smart Central Management System (CMS) and IoT platform. Built on open standards, Schréder EXEDRA enables operators to remotely monitor, control and optimise lighting infrastructure across entire networks.
Through real-time data, operators can track energy consumption, detect faults instantly and implement adaptive lighting strategies such as dimming during quieter periods. This level of control can deliver energy savings of up to 85%, while improving operational resilience and reducing maintenance costs.
Beyond energy management, connected lighting systems also support proactive asset maintenance. By identifying faults early and providing clear system diagnostics, maintenance teams can respond more quickly and efficiently, reducing downtime and minimising disruption within busy station environments.
Off-Grid Innovation: Solar Lighting for Rail
In areas where grid access is limited or installation costs are prohibitive, solar lighting offers a practical alternative. Through Photinus Schréder, our dedicated solar lighting competence centre, we deliver advanced off-grid solutions designed specifically for rail environments.
These systems are particularly suited to remote access routes, overflow car parks and low-traffic platforms where traditional trenching and cabling would be difficult or expensive. By eliminating the need for major civil works, solar lighting can significantly reduce installation time and project costs.
Combining Photinus’ proven solar technology with Schréder’s lighting expertise delivers reliable, low-carbon solutions that reduce emissions while maintaining the performance standards required for transport infrastructure.
Enhancing Safety, Accessibility and Design at one of London’s Busiest Transport Hubs
We recently demonstrated our expertise at Old Street Station, one of London’s busiest transport hubs located at the heart of the capital’s technology district.
As part of a major station upgrade in 2024, WSP - acting on behalf of Transport for London - appointed Schréder to design, manufacture and install a bespoke LED handrail lighting system. Working closely with WW+P Architects, the project team developed an integrated solution that balanced performance, safety compliance and architectural design.
Using the ALINEA (LED module handrail), more than 350 metres of illuminated handrail were installed across three station entrances. The warm-to-touch handrails significantly improve visibility along stairways and circulation routes, enhancing passenger reassurance and accessibility in high-traffic areas.
Designed for demanding rail environments, the ALINEA modules underwent independent fire assessment to meet TfL’s stringent S1085 fire safety standard for subsurface stations. Structurally, the handrails were also tested beyond standard load requirements to ensure durability under constant public use.
Offsite fabrication allowed the system to be manufactured in sections and installed efficiently within the live station environment, minimising disruption while maintaining consistent build quality.
Externally, the station forecourt was enhanced with SHUFFLE smart poles, integrating functional lighting with architectural accent illumination and wayfinding features. Mid-hinged access enables safe ground-level maintenance, reducing operational risk and long-term maintenance costs.
Delivering Long-Term Value for Rail Infrastructure
Projects such as Old Street Station demonstrate the broader role lighting plays in shaping passenger experience and operational performance. Well-designed lighting improves wayfinding, reduces perceived risk and encourages movement through transport spaces, particularly during evening hours.
Lighting also protects long-term infrastructure investment. Thoughtful illumination ensures station environments remain legible, safe and welcoming, helping them adapt to changing patterns of use without requiring extensive physical alterations.
Modern lighting systems are also designed with lifecycle value in mind. High-efficiency LED luminaires offer significantly longer operational lifespans than traditional lighting technologies, reducing the frequency of maintenance interventions in areas that may otherwise require specialist access or temporary closures.
Durable materials, modular components, tool-free access and intelligent monitoring systems such as Schréder EXEDRA also allow lighting assets to be upgraded or serviced more efficiently over time. This reduces operational disruption while helping rail operators extend the useful life of their infrastructure.
Data-Driven Lighting for Connected Rail Networks
As cities and transport networks evolve, lighting is becoming an active part of wider smart infrastructure strategies. Platforms such as Schréder EXEDRA allow operators to capture real-time data on energy consumption, lighting performance and asset condition.
This information enables more proactive asset management, supports predictive maintenance and helps authorities track progress against carbon reduction targets. Data-driven lighting also improves operational resilience, ensuring critical infrastructure remains reliable while reducing unnecessary energy use.
A Smarter Future for Rail Environments
By integrating intelligent controls, high-efficiency luminaires and innovative solutions such as solar lighting, Schréder enables rail operators to create environments that are safer, more efficient and better prepared for the future.
From historic stations to complex urban transport hubs, the company continues to deliver lighting solutions that support both operational performance and passenger experience across the rail network.
To discuss how Schréder can support your next project, contact us.