Top 3 Reasons Digital Wayfinding Solutions are Needed at Train Stations in 2025

Are you familiar with the digital transformation that’s currently taking place in transportation facilities? It’s a significant development and we have some compelling statistics to support the benefits of technology like Digital Wayfinding Solution for Train Stations. In railway-related transportation specifically, train station wayfinding and digital mapping solutions have been a pathbreaker. This has led to an increasing number of passengers using railway station mobile navigation apps for ticketing and real-time information.

According to Juniper Research, mobile ticketing for transportation is expected to surge to 1.9 billion users by 2023, up from 1.1 billion in 2019. However, the benefits of railway station navigation systems go far beyond improved convenience for passengers. A report by Deloitte Digital indicates that doing so could also result in a 30% to 50% reduction in operational costs, as well as improved performance and capacity.

According to Juniper Research, mobile ticketing for transportation is expected to surge to 1.9 billion users by 2023, up from 1.1 billion in 2019.

Furthermore, the use of digital wayfinding and real-time information screens has been shown to reduce passenger stress and increase satisfaction, according to research conducted by the Rail Safety and Standards Board. These screens can even decrease perceived waiting time by up to 35% and boost passenger satisfaction by up to 20%.

Why do These Statistics Matter? 

Train stations of the future are no longer solely about transporting people from one place to another. They’re about providing a seamless and enjoyable transit experience, and this requires real-time information for everything from ticketing and notification to navigation and station management.

In this blog post, we will explore three compelling reasons why train stations need a digital mapping solution. We’ll also try to understand what steps should be taken for enhancing the navigation system for railway station facilities. Let’s also cover how it can improve the passenger experience while enhancing efficiency.

The Digital Divide in Train Stations 

To better understand the importance of digitization in train stations, it’s crucial to differentiate between those that have embraced technology and those that have not. Let’s take a closer look at the distinction between the two types of stations, using this example:

Digitized Train Station

Amsterdam Centraal Station in the Netherlands is a prime example of a train station that has undergone digitization to enhance the passenger experience. The station’s digital wayfinding screens provide real-time information on train schedules, platforms, and delays, making it easy for passengers to navigate the station. These screens are easily readable and strategically placed throughout the station. Additionally, Amsterdam Centraal has a mobile app that passengers can use to plan their journey, purchase tickets, and receive real-time updates on train movements.

Traditional Train Station

Many smaller train stations in rural areas may not have digitized technology. For example, a small train station in a remote area of the United States may not have digital screens or a mobile app for passengers. Instead, there may be a printed timetable posted on the wall, and passengers may need to purchase tickets from a staff member at a ticket counter. While this may still provide a functional train station for local commuters, it may not have the same level of convenience or efficiency as a digitized train station.

How Digital Mapping Paves the Way for Smarter Train Stations

• If you’ve been hearing a lot of buzzes lately about “digital mapping,” allow us to enlighten you on the game-changing technology that’s revolutionizing the way we navigate train stations and other public spaces. With digital mapping, highly detailed and interactive maps can be created that showcase everything from the location of platforms and ticket offices to nearby restaurants and attractions. And the beauty of it all? These maps can be accessed on a range of devices, including digital wayfinding screens, mobile apps, and websites, making navigation in train stations easier and more efficient than ever before.
• But digital mapping technology isn’t just a passenger-focused innovation. It also has immense value for station management, providing a powerful tool to monitor crowd management, traffic flow, and emergency response. With digital mapping, station management can ensure that train stations run safely and efficiently, offering a seamless experience for both passengers and staff.
• Clearly, digital mapping technology has a significant impact on the functionality and performance of train stations, enabling them to operate at a higher level of efficiency and safety. So if you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and optimize your train station’s performance, it’s time to consider integrating digital mapping technology into your operations.
• As a pioneer in hardware-free location technology, Mapsted is driving change in the train station industry. With advanced technology that outperforms GPS, Wi-fi, and Beacon-based location solutions, Mapsted is rapidly transforming transit stations into innovation hubs to optimize the passenger experience.

Mapsted’s Competitive Advantage Lies in its Excellence in Three Key Areas.

• Next-level station navigation: Mapsted’s technology allows passengers to effortlessly navigate through the station completely untethered from GPS, Wi-Fi, and Beacons. 
• Profitable traveler engagement and notification: Mapsted enables offering personalized and relevant information to enhance the passenger experience and increase revenue. 
• Deep location intelligence and data-driven decision-making: Mapsted empowers station managers with valuable insights to optimize operations and improve customer satisfaction.

What Makes Mapping Technology So Crucial To Train Stations?

There are several reasons why a train station might benefit from a digital mapping solution in 2024, but here are the top three:

• Improved Passenger Experience: By providing accurate and up-to-date information on train schedules, platform numbers, and any delays or cancellations, a digital mapping solution can significantly improve the passenger experience. Passengers can use the maps to navigate the station, find their way to their platform or train, and plan their journey more efficiently.
• Increased Efficiency: A digital mapping solution can also help train station staff to work more efficiently. By providing real-time information on train movements, staff can quickly identify any issues or delays and take action to minimize their impact. This can help to reduce congestion and improve overall efficiency in the station.
• Enhanced Safety and Security: Digital maps can also be used to improve safety and security in train stations. By providing a clear overview of the station layout and identifying potential hazards, such as crowded areas or blocked exits, staff can respond more quickly to emergencies and help to keep passengers safe. Additionally, digital map solutions can be integrated with security cameras and other systems to help detect and prevent crime.

Final Thoughts

The ultimate takeaway is that digital transformation in railways has made a significant impact on the train-related passenger experience. The increased use of mobile apps for ticketing and real-time information has improved passenger convenience and this trend is expected to surge in 2024 and beyond. The benefits of implementing digital technology go beyond convenience; it could lead to a reduction in operational costs, improved performance and capacity, and increased passenger satisfaction. Digital mapping is an essential part of this transformation, making navigation easier and more efficient. 

Mapsted, being a proponent of change, is helping the train station industry by providing next-level station navigation, a traveler engagement and notification system, and deep location intelligence for data-driven decision-making. Mapsted enables digital wayfinding in train stations to keep pace with the modernization seen in other transportation hubs. If you are interested in digital mapping, this short video will also help you understand how Mapsted can effectively address challenges specific to transportation hubs.