Siemens is working with NS Stations, the operator of railway stations in the Netherlands, to improve cycle parking at 47 Dutch railway stations by implementing a user-friendly and secure self-service cycle parking solution. The unmanned bike parking facilities will be available for parking privately owned as well as rental bikes.
In addition to modernising and equipping the parking stations, Siemens will provide 24/7 system monitoring to ensure system availability as well as predictive maintenance for a period of eight years. The Security Operations Centre of NS Stations will supervise passenger safety using an intelligent CCTV camera system, also delivered by Siemens.
The value of the contract is €14.2m. Furthermore, Siemens will continue to work with NS Stations to jointly develop future innovations in access systems for cycle parking facilities using RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification).
Country Manager at Siemens Building Technologies Netherlands, Joanne Meyboom said: “This is a great opportunity for Siemens to support diverse and alternative modes of transport. We’re working collaboratively with NS Stations to optimise the implementation, providing access to safe and easily accessible cycle parking to facilitate passenger journeys and deliver a more positive travel experience.”
The Netherlands has a long-standing culture of commuters using cycling as the initial part of their journey, with 400,000 passengers using their bikes to travel to the station every day, according to NS Stations figures.
Responding to the growing demand for safe and accessible parking stations, NS Stations commissioned Siemens to modernise their facilities. These provide cyclists with a secure entrance with glass gates, and an efficient and safe method to park their bike. Cyclists can expect a quick transition from bike to boarding the train, utilising safe parking stations that are free of charge for the first 24 hours.
The new parking solution was successfully tested in the Dutch towns of Bilthoven and Heerenveen before implementation began at other stations. The remaining 45 self-service parking facilities will be delivered throughout 2018. At the test stations, a follow-up survey showed greatly improved customer satisfaction and a significant increase in the use of the parking location.
