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Vanessa Vulovic
In General News, Products

Electech Annual Conference 2025: DTL on OT Cybersecurity, AI, and Rail Innovation​

Electech Annual Conference 2025: DTL on OT Cybersecurity, AI, and Rail Innovation

 

Digital Transit Limited (DTL) was proud to take part in the first-ever Electech Annual Conference — a brilliant showcase of innovation happening right here in Lancashire and Cumbria. Our CTO, Daniel Basher, gave a talk on CyRail, our cutting-edge OT cybersecurity platform for the rail industry, sharing how we’re utilising the use of AI to secure critical infrastructure.

Join the CyRail waitlist here.

This project builds on DTL’s deep expertise in OT cybersecurity standards, regulatory frameworks, and software development to deliver a disruptive, cost-effective tool for operators and system integrators.

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Talent and Innovation

CyRail is designed to support railway operators and system integrators with automated compliance assessment, maturity assessment, and risk analysis. One of its standout features is an intelligent assistant that helps companies navigate complex regulations and improve their cybersecurity posture.

This success is made possible by the incredible talent within our team. At DTL, we’ve been engaged with the Electech ecosystem, not only driving product innovation but also helping to nurture local talent. Thanks to the Electech Skills Bootcamp and Code Lancashire Bootcamp, we’ve  expanded our team with two graduates. We also had the pleasure of welcoming a work experience student through Electech in January 2025, who joined us for a month to gain valuable hands-on experience. These talented individuals are now actively contributing to our Innovate UK-funded projects, bringing fresh perspectives and technical expertise to our efforts in securing the future of rail.


A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Ideas

The conference brought together a wide cross-section of local businesses, colleges, and innovation leaders, each contributing their unique perspective on how the region is driving forward digital technologies. From advanced manufacturing to sustainable energy, the talks and panel sessions covered a wide breadth of topics. It was a packed day of conversation, networking, and shared ambition — the perfect reminder of just how much talent and creativity exists in this part of the UK.

For us at DTL, it was also a reminder of how crucial these spaces are: not just to promote innovation, but to connect people — from future employees and partners to mentors and collaborators.

A Thriving Electech Ecosystem

The Electech Innovation Cluster is proving that innovation doesn’t just happen in big cities — it’s thriving in the heart of Lancashire and Cumbria. In 2024 alone, the cluster made a significant mark on the local economy, with standout figures showing the scale and pace of growth:

  • £161m in revenue generated

  • 940 people employed

  • 68% revenue growth

  • 34 active members

  • 24 events delivered

These numbers speak for themselves — and DTL is proud to be part of that progress. The collaborative spirit across the Electech network continues to drive new ideas, strengthen local businesses, and create a pipeline of talent ready to meet the future of tech.

Explore the Electech Innovation Cluster

A Big Thank You

We’re grateful to have been involved in the first Electech Annual Conference, and want to thank all the organisers, speakers, and attendees who made it such a successful day. Special thanks to Lancaster University, and to Dan Knowles and Katherine Bell for bringing the event to life. We’re excited for what’s ahead — and even more so to continue working together to shape the future of innovation in our region.

Contact
Digital Transit Limited

Website
www.digitaltransit.co.uk 


Email
info@digitaltransit.co.uk

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Vanessa Vulovic
In General News, Products, Project

TOAD

Tram Overspeed Advisory Device

We’re excited to spotlight Kathryn Hurst, one of the engineers behind our tram overspeed advisory device, whose impressive work has secured her a place in the next round of the IMechE North Western Centre for the Future of Rail Presentation Competition. She has also been honoured with the prestigious Sir William A. Stanier FRS trophy. Her work is a key part of our collaboration with Blackpool Tramway.

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The IMechE Future of Rail Presentation Competition is a programme designed to showcase young engineering talent within the rail industry. It offers a unique opportunity for early-career engineers and researchers to present their innovative projects, contributing to the future of railway technology.

In the North West regional round, three talented young researchers competed, each delivering a 15-minute presentation on their respective projects. Kathryn emerged as the winner, earning her place in the grand final in London, where she will compete against the other Railway Division centres for the grand prize.

Kathryn’s work on the Tram Overspeed Advisory Device will contribute to a proactive approach in improving tram safety, particularly on sharp corners with a high overturn risk. By collaborating with Blackpool Tramway, she has helped develop a system that alerts the driver when there is an overspeed risk, enhancing passenger safety.

Here at DTL, we couldn’t be prouder of Kathryn’s achievements and can’t wait to see her represent our company in the final competition.
Best of luck, Kathryn!

 

TOAD Background

Following the Croydon tram accident, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) made several recommendations to improve tram safety, with one focusing on speed reduction. The goal is to prevent accidents by automatically reducing tram speeds when approaching high-risk locations where derailment or overturning could occur.

One response to this recommendation is the implementation of an annunciator system on Blackpool’s heritage trams. This system provides visual and audible warnings to the driver if the tram exceeds safe speeds, particularly near risk-prone areas. The system helps drivers slow down in real-time, addressing RAIB’s recommendations and reducing risk.

By adopting such measures, tram operators, like those in Blackpool, demonstrate a proactive approach to tram safety, ensuring a safer future for passengers and drivers alike.

Requirements for the TOAD included:

  • Small and Simple to Install
  • Powered by the Tram’s 24v
  • IP65
  • A Speedometer
  • An Operational Indicator
  • An In-Cab Warning for overspeed

 

So we built – Prototype 1

The first prototype of the tram overspeed advisory device served as a proof of concept. Testing revealed key issues: the speed display updated too slowly, the combined buzzer and light were too quiet, and the wiring was messy, affecting reliability. To improve performance, we upgraded our main processor, as well as our GPS and SD card modules.

For the next prototype, the buzzer and light were separated for better sound output. Blackpool Transport requested the device connect to the tram’s transponder to detect how points were set, and code improvements were made for better geofence handling and data processing.

These insights informed the development of the next prototype with enhanced functionality and reliability.

 

        Prototype 1 design

Prototype 2 design

We made improvements – Prototype 2

Prototype 2 is ready for final testing, and DTL plan plan to:

  • Conduct a final batch of lab tests to confirm TOAD works as expected.

  • Install the device with the Blackpool Geofences file on a tram and test that overspeed alerts trigger correctly.

  • Leave the device running on a tram to collect data on routine operations and perform a final review of Prototype 2’s performance.

These steps will ensure the device can be fully updated for prototype 3 and be ready for deployment.

 

Impact of this work

The TOAD overspeed advisory device will work to proactively reduce overturn risk by providing real-time warnings to drivers. Its development demonstrates how innovation can improve existing transport systems, with Blackpool Tramway providing valuable collaboration.

 

Contact
Digital Transit Limited

Website
www.digitaltransit.co.uk 


Email
info@digitaltransit.co.uk

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