South Western Railway (SWR) is taking a proactive step towards creating healthier environments for their passengers and staff. In a trial programme, the British train operating company has installed an air-purifying column developed by clean air technology firm, Pluvo, at Salisbury station. Situated on platform four, this innovative column aims to monitor and eliminate harmful pollutants, improving the overall air quality at the station.
The Pluvo air-purifying column utilizes advanced air filtration technology to effectively remove detrimental airborne pollutants. It comprises a three-stage filtration process that specifically targets harmful particulate matter (PM2.5), gases, and viruses. With its built-in air quality monitoring system, the column provides data-driven insights for continuous assessment and enhancement.
Beyond providing clean air, the Pluvo column serves multiple purposes. It operates as an information hub, displaying travel and air quality information to keep passengers informed. Additionally, it offers a unique interactive feature allowing passengers to share their thoughts on the initiative through a text-based chat function.
Dan Piner, South Western Railway's senior design and innovation manager, sheds light on the motivation behind the installation. He explains that air quality at Salisbury station is a concern due to the presence of diesel engines and their prolonged stops at the platforms. There are contributing factors from the nearby car park and train depot as well. Piner shares that South Western Railway explored various air quality technologies, and the Pluvo column stood out, particularly due to the width of Salisbury's platforms, capable of accommodating such a structure.
The trial, scheduled to run for six months, aims to assess the effectiveness of the Pluvo column. If successful, South Western Railway plans to install more of these columns at additional stations, with the goal of enhancing the journey experience for all their customers. Piner notes that the initial feedback received from both customers and staff has been positive, fostering optimism for the future.
This partnership with Pluvo reflects South Western Railway's commitment to taking proactive measures to improve their customers' journeys. Over the past five years, they have installed more than 4,000 cycle spaces across their extensive network, encouraging sustainable transportation options such as biking and scooter rentals. Furthermore, South Western Railway is dedicated to sustainable tourism, allowing customers to travel by rail to their destinations and continue their journeys through bike and scooter hires.
The company's dedication to sustainability extends further, as South Western Railway was the first train operating company to publish a roadmap to achieve net zero carbon emissions. Their carbon emission reduction targets have also been recognized by the Science Based Targets initiative, a prominent global climate body. Clearly, their partnership with Pluvo is just one part of a larger approach aimed at creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly railway system.
Expressing delight in collaborating with South Western Railway, Matteo Maccario, the CEO of Pluvo, emphasizes the significance of improving air quality at one of the region's busiest railway stations. Recognizing air pollution as a significant threat to global health, Maccario highlights the potential of the Pluvo column to create healthier and safer spaces for everyone.
As South Western Railway forges ahead with their trial programme, their commitment to improving air quality and creating a sustainable railway system sets a commendable example. By embracing innovative technologies and incorporating them into their operations, they are paving the way for a healthier and more environmentally conscious future.
