The Siemens Building Technologies Division (BT) is working with NS Stations, the operator of railway stations in the Netherlands, to optimize bicycle parking at 47 Dutch railway stations with the user-friendly and secure self-service bicycle parking solution from Siemens.
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Siemens Building Technologies Division (BT) is working with NS Stations, the operator of railway stations in the Netherlands, to optimize bicycle parking at 47 Dutch railway stations with the user-friendly and secure self-service bicycle parking solution from Siemens. The unmanned bike parking facilities will be available for parking privately owned as well as rental bikes. In addition to modernizing 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 volume of the contract is 14.2 million euros. Furthermore, Siemens will continue to work with NS Stations to jointly develop future innovations in access systems for manned bicycle parking facilities using RFID technology (Radio Frequency IDdentification).
"This is a great opportunity for Siemens to support diverse and alternative modes of transit," says Siemens BT country manager Joanne Meyboom. "We're working cooperatively with NS Stations to optimize the implementation, providing access to safe and easily accessible bike parking that can facilitate a traveler's door-to-door trip, and create a more positive traveler experience."
The Netherlands has a long-standing bicycle culture where many citizens use a bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. Four hundred thousand cyclists bike to the train every day, according to NS Stations. Responding to the growing demand for safe and accessible parking stations, NS Stations commissioned Siemens to modernize their facilities. They offer cyclists an open and transparent entrance with glass gates, and a comfortable way to park their bike quickly. When the 47 new stations are completed, bicycle users can expect a quick and seamless transition from bicycle to boarding at railway stations, utilizing safe parking stations that are free of charge for the first 24 hours. The Siemens Customer Support Center will provide system monitoring for the new parking facilities, including a detailed dashboard with the ability to predict malfunctions so they can be addressed before any problem occurs. The Security Operations Center of NS Stations will supervise passenger safety using an intelligent camera system also delivered by Siemens.
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 in 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 by cyclists.