Mixed fleets and siloed systems have long complicated passenger information management, but a platform approach offers a more sustainable path forward, says Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility.
Thomas Auner, cn-mobility
Passenger information systems have traditionally been specified and delivered as standalone components, often differing from one vehicle type to another. Over time, this fragmented approach can leave operators managing multiple platforms, complex interfaces and growing integration challenges across their fleets.
Today, however, the industry is shifting toward unified, IP-based architectures that bring together passenger information, audio, diagnostics and data within a single, scalable platform. Railway-News spoke with cn-mobility’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Thomas Auner, about this transition, how operators can avoid the pitfalls of siloed systems and what it takes to build flexible, cybersecurity-ready PIS that can evolve throughout the full lifecycle of a vehicle.
The Challenge of Fragmented Fleets
Railway-News: Many operators run mixed fleets, and manufacturers often install their preferred passenger information systems (PIS). How does this fragmented approach impact operators over the long term?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
The main challenge is ensuring that all these different systems remain compatible – not only with each other, but also with the land-based systems. Without an overarching strategy, interfaces quickly become a source of misunderstandings, disputes over responsibility and delays. That’s why passenger information should be considered as a single, end-to-end system from the outset, and include stations, trains and control centres etc. If these elements aren’t aligned, complexity increases over time.
The Case for a Platform Approach
Railway-News: Given these challenges, why should passenger information be treated as an integrated platform rather than as a collection of standalone systems?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
A platform approach creates clarity. You have one architectural framework, standardised interfaces and a clear allocation of responsibility. That reduces friction and eliminates the ‘mutual blame’ situations that often arise when multiple suppliers are involved. Most importantly, it ensures that passenger information evolves as a coherent system rather than as disconnected upgrades.
Day-to-Day Operational Benefits
Railway-News: What practical benefits does this platform model deliver for operators day-to-day?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
It simplifies operations significantly. There’s typically a single point of contact, one support structure and harmonised interfaces. Standardisation improves fault management, reduces integration effort and lowers lifecycle risk. Operators gain transparency and control instead of managing several isolated subsystems.
Reconciling Long Vehicle Lifecycles with Fast-Moving Technology
Railway-News: Rolling stock has a service life of 30 years or more, while digital technologies evolve much faster. How does a platform architecture help reconcile these different lifecycles?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
Software offers a key advantage here: it can usually be updated remotely and adapted without replacing installed hardware. That provides flexibility throughout the vehicle’s life. Hardware replacement can then be aligned with planned midlife refits, rather than driven by digital obsolescence. A uniform communication platform also makes transitions between technology generations much smoother. Standardised interfaces within the platform enable integration of different hardware suppliers. For example, our Mobile Passenger Information (MPI) interface standardises communication between control centres and vehicles. As an open standard, it supports interoperability and future adaptability.
Challenging the ‘Start from Scratch’ Assumption
Railway-News: There’s still a perception that modernising passenger information means starting from scratch. How does a software-defined, IP-based platform challenge that assumption?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
A large portion of modernisation effort often lies in cabling. If IP-based Ethernet infrastructure is already in place, this effort is dramatically reduced. Many hardware components, such as Ethernet switches or LED displays, have a service life that can match the vehicle itself. Provided there are no new regulatory or cybersecurity requirements that exceed their capabilities, there’s no technical reason to replace them. An IP-based architecture allows these components to remain in service while backend systems evolve.
Cost Savings and Sustainability Through Hardware Retention
Railway-News: To what extent can retaining existing PIS hardware during backend upgrades reduce costs and support long-term sustainability goals?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
From both a financial and sustainability perspective, it’s essential to assess existing hardware before deciding on replacement. Developing a structured migration concept does involve some upfront work, but the investment is small compared to the potential savings. In our experience, a four-car vehicle set can achieve savings in the high five-figure to six-figure range per vehicle by reusing suitable hardware. At the same time, this approach reduces material consumption and electronic waste, supporting environmental objectives.
Managing Cybersecurity Within a Unified Platform
Railway-News: As passenger information becomes increasingly networked and software-controlled, how does a unified platform architecture help operators manage cybersecurity risks?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
When you operate within a structured IT platform, security can be addressed holistically. All communication takes place within a defined, protected framework. Rather than securing multiple isolated systems individually, you define security requirements centrally and implement them consistently. That’s far more robust and easier to manage over the long term.
Software-First Design Philosophy
Railway-News: CN-Consult has strong roots in software development. How does this background influence the way you design architectures for long-life rail vehicles?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
We began as a software company, and that fundamentally shapes our approach. For us, the intelligence of the system lies in the software. Many traditional providers started with hardware and later added software capabilities. That often results in intelligence being embedded in proprietary end devices. Our philosophy is different: we think hardware-independently. Software should define the architecture, not the other way around.
The Importance of Coordinated Software, Interfaces and Hardware
Railway-News: Why is close coordination between software, interfaces and hardware so important in a platform model?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
Because the software is central, it must integrate seamlessly with operating systems, device images and communication adapters. All these elements must be designed as one coherent solution. There’s a simple way to put it: the more intelligent the software, the less intelligence needs to reside in the hardware. That reduces complexity, avoids lock-in and increases flexibility over time.
Avoiding Vendor Lock-In with Open Architecture
Railway-News: Open architectures are frequently discussed in the industry, but not always implemented. How does your approach help operators avoid lock-in while maintaining system integrity?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
We designed our solution to be open from the beginning. We don’t rely on proprietary communication protocols. Our MPI interface, for example, is openly available. This transparency benefits operators. They have access to full documentation and aren’t dependent on reverse engineering or exclusive knowledge. Openness strengthens interoperability while maintaining system integrity through defined standards.
Looking Ahead: What Operators Should Do Now
Railway-News: Looking ahead, how do you see passenger information systems evolving, and what should operators be doing now to avoid future issues?
Thomas Auner, Head of Sales and Marketing, cn-mobility, said:
Operators defining their future passenger information strategy today should think holistically. Stations, control centres, vehicles and other digital consumers must be considered together from the outset. Cybersecurity will also become increasingly critical. Addressing it properly requires software expertise and a structured platform approach. Anything less would be a significant risk in a highly networked environment.