Driving cleaner, safer and smarter rail journeys: Grinsty Rail’s vision for better passenger comfort and air quality

In this article, Naim Kapadia, Head of Engineering at Grinsty Rail explains how the firm’s PCM 1000 air quality monitoring system provides rail operators with operators the tools to monitor, manage, and mitigate air quality issues for a better, cleaner rail network.

As the transport sector continues to evolve, today’s rail industry faces increasing pressure to improve passenger experiences while addressing growing environmental and health concerns. At Grinsty Rail, we’ve made it our mission to meet these challenges head-on with innovative solutions designed to create cleaner, safer, and more efficient rail journeys.

That commitment has earned us a place on the Clean Futures Accelerator, a program designed to help innovators develop and test cutting-edge technologies while building a West Midlands Clean Futures Ecosystem. The accelerator is supporting 40 regional SMEs, including Grinsty Rail, to trial their solutions with the potential to revolutionise transportation.

For us, this presents an exciting opportunity to showcase our PCM 1000 air quality monitoring system and demonstrate its transformative potential to improve the passenger experience and drive sustainability.

The PCM 1000: Redefining Passenger Comfort and Efficiency

The PCM 1000, our Passenger Comfort Module, is an all-in-one wireless sensor designed to continuously monitor key environmental conditions inside train carriages. Equipped with six integrated sensors, the system measures:

  • Harmful pollutants (PM2.5): Microscopic particles, often found in enclosed rail environments like tunnels and stations, pose significant health risks, particularly to passengers with respiratory vulnerabilities.
  • Carbon dioxide (CO): Essential for maintaining safe and comfortable air quality in enclosed spaces.
  • Temperature and humidity: To ensure a pleasant and healthy environment for passengers.
  • Light levels: Supporting energy efficiency by adjusting lighting based on natural conditions.
  • Vibration: Helping assess the condition of wheels, axles, and tracks, which can prevent costly mechanical failures.

Why air quality monitoring matters

Air pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the UK, causing an estimated 29,000 to 43,000 premature deaths annually, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In rail settings, pollutants like PM2.5 accumulate in enclosed spaces, creating health risks for passengers and staff alike.

The PCM 1000 aims to address this by giving operators the tools to monitor, manage, and mitigate air quality issues. By ensuring clean air on trains, we not only protect public health but also contribute to the rail sector’s broader sustainability goals.

Accurate real-time data, predictive maintenance

The data collected by the PCM 1000 is transmitted in real-time to a cloud-based dashboard, accessible from anywhere in the world. Operators can analyse environmental conditions, receive alerts when thresholds are exceeded, and take action to address potential issues before they escalate. For example, spikes in CO₂ or temperature can trigger automated adjustments to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. At the same time, light levels can be dimmed or brightened based on real-time needs, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Beyond improving comfort, the PCM 1000 is a powerful tool for predictive maintenance. By identifying anomalies such as increased vibration or sudden environmental changes, operators can pinpoint and address issues before they result in costly downtime or safety risks.

Establishing partnerships for a cleaner future

Participation in the Clean Futures Accelerator provides us with an exciting platform to trial and refine the PCM 1000. This program offers access to £50,000 in funding, 10 days of bespoke engineering support from BCIMO (Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation), and the use of its Rail Development and Test Site for live demonstrations.

In February 2025, we’ll showcase the PCM 1000 at the BCIMO demonstration day. This event will offer rail industry leaders a firsthand look at how our system works, including live demonstrations of its ability to detect particulate matter, monitor environmental factors, and send real-time alerts. With growing interest from stakeholders, we’re optimistic about the PCM 1000’s potential to become a trusted monitoring solution for rail operators.

Innovation in Action: Building a Healthier Future for Rail

At Grinsty Rail, we believe the PCM 1000 is not just a monitoring system, it’s an essential tool for rail operators looking to meet environmental, operational, and regulatory goals. By improving passenger comfort, reducing emissions, and preventing breakdowns, the PCM 1000 offers a unique combination of benefits that align with the industry’s priorities.

As the rail industry prepares for the challenges of 2025 and beyond, Grinsty Rail is proud to lead the way with solutions that prioritise people, planet, and progress. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders, demonstrating the value of our technology, and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information on Grinsty Rail and the PCM 1000 visit https://www.grinstyrail.co.uk/

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