Railway Research at Aston University: Looking to the Future

Wednesday, 17 September 2025, 1730, Susan Cadbury Lecture Theatre, Conference Aston, Aston University

In this session, Aston researches present some of their groundbreaking research on rail transport.

Nandhini Mahesh (PhD student - Aston University)

The integration of air and rail transportation is essential for creating seamless multimodal travel experiences, yet significant challenges remain in optimizing passenger flow and improving operational efficiency. This presentation focusses on leveraging AI to address these issues by analysing passenger behaviour and flow patterns. The key objectives are to enhance passenger flow through optimising scheduling and to developing AI-driven solutions that facilitate smoother transitions between air and rail systems. It presents preliminary findings, highlighting the inadequacy of one-size-fits-all approaches for diverse passenger needs and underscores the importance of integration strategies like unified ticketing and baggage systems. The presentation will explore how this research may provide actionable insights for improving passenger satisfaction, reducing delays, and enhancing system efficiency. By addressing these critical areas, the research paves the way for smarter transportation networks that cater to evolving demands, ensuring a more connected and efficient future for air-rail travel.

Prachiti Prashant Shinde (PhD student - Aston University)

As the rail industry evolves to meet the challenges of rapid digital transformation, an ageing workforce, and skills shortages, education must keep pace. My talk explores how innovative approaches, including the integration of artificial intelligence, can reshape higher education in rail to address skill shortages and align academic programs with industry demands. Drawing on my research, I will discuss the role of AI in curriculum evaluation, personalised learning, and bridging gaps between traditional education and the needs of a modern workforce. This session highlights the importance of preparing future generations with adaptable, forward-looking skill sets to thrive in a rapidly changing sector.

Patrick Bannon and Lydia Egbo (Aston University) – The Nexus Project.

NEXUS envisions a future where metro systems are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and operationally excellent.In the evolution of urban transport, NEXUS seeks to establish an innovation benchmark, addressing crucial challenges and guiding European metros toward transformative futures. With a holistic approach, NEXUS envisions a future where technology enhances operations responsibly and sustainably. The project weaves a narrative where metros become living, adaptable entities. The participation of stakeholders such as metro operators and passenger representatives will expand the project’s results not only locally but also on an international level. Through optimisation, analysis, energy and service efficiency, NEXUS aspires to pioneer innovative solutions for the urban and metro transport of the future, where the journey is as significant as the destination.Aston University, as one of thirteen partners, are responsible for multiple Work Packages and Tasks across the project. Firstly, within the first year of the project, Aston are responsible for conducting Community of Practices as well researching advanced modelling approaches and data implementation campaign. Additionally, we are offering our support across other aspects of the project, including a Future Train Control Feasibility Study and AI and Data Science Implementation in Metro Operation. Furthermore, within the second year of the project, Aston will lead the Validation, Exploitation and Improvement Campaign which employs scenario-based simulation methods to validate and exploit all the tools, concepts and applications developed in the preceding work packages of the project.

The team will also discuss the transport team’s joint ventures with UIC, the international union of railways, and their rail train hackathons.