Network Rail is seeking technological solutions to challenges it faces from fare-dodging, theft and vandalism and in improving and speeding up work to detect structures and vegetation alongside rail lines.
The company that owns the UK's rail network faces issues with trespassers at platform ends and edges trying to evade fares and from people intent on theft or vandalism.
Its traditional process for assessing new or existing structures alongside rail lines to ensure trains can pass by - known as gauging - is also time-consuming and can take years to complete. Improving it could increase safety and help with planning maintenance and introducing new rolling stock.
Network Rail is using the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) to support 2 funding competitions for organisations that have innovative ways to meet these challenges.
