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How tinted windows can help keeping trains in service in hot weather

Tinted windows have multiple benefits, FleetShield argues. 2022, FleetShield

Many countries have been ‘enjoying’ record temperatures this autumn. This comes hot on the heels – quite literally so – of record summer temperatures. Climate change puts a strain on railway assets, as airconditioning systems have to run overtime to cool down passenger compartments. Fleetshield, an expert in the field of protective films, argues that using tinted films on windows can play a key role in keeping trains in services and passengers comfortable.

It is not uncommon that while travelling by train, you find yourself by the window under the burning sun. You could argue that this is a minor inconvenience, but if it happens to you on a daily basis, you would like the operator – if a solution is available –  to do something about it. Fleetshield managing director Jeroen van Son argues that there is a solution in the form of a tinted protective film on the windows.

“While a fairly common practice for buildings, applying such a film on rolling stock is not something that seems to dawn on operators. Often they don’t now about the availability thereof, which is unfortunate as the advantages speak for themselves. It’s like putting sunglasses on passenger compartments”.

Comfort zone

According to Van Son, the benefits of tinted films are multifold: one the one hand you increase passenger comfort by being able to decrease the compartment temperature by a couple of degrees, as well as protect those at the window from the direct heat.

Related to that, behavioural research shows that situations that put people out of their comfort zone, such as excessive heat or sunshine in a overcrowded passenger compartment, can result in negative emotions and stress.

On the other hand, by helping cool train compartments, the airconditioning system does not have to work that hard, which in turn saves energy and reduces the risk of the system breaking down. The latter is particularly important as it is not uncommon that a breakdown of the airconditioning system results in the train coming to a halt.

‘The right climate’

Van Son hopes that operators will be susceptible to these arguments, especially as they are so interrelated. “Maintenance departments and engineers, because they think long-term, will probably see the benefits of applying tinted films from a cost-efficiency point of view while the pr-teams may be drawn to the films because of the benefits for passengers and the sustainability benefits”, Van Son explains.

Finally, the tinted film does not interfere with cellular and wifi signals. When launching new rolling stock, many operators make the point of saying that their new windows make for an improved Netflix experience. According to Van Son, only when a film contains metallic parts there is a risk of interference.

 In short, Van Son believes there is a solid case for tinted films in the railway market and that operators would do well to consider it when upgrading or refurbishing rolling stock. “We quite literally have the right climate for it nowadays”.

Further reading:

Author: Nick Augusteijn

Former Chief Editor of RailTech.com

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How tinted windows can help keeping trains in service in hot weather | RailTech.com
GVB metrostel
Partner article

How tinted windows can help keeping trains in service in hot weather

Tinted windows have multiple benefits, FleetShield argues. 2022, FleetShield

Many countries have been ‘enjoying’ record temperatures this autumn. This comes hot on the heels – quite literally so – of record summer temperatures. Climate change puts a strain on railway assets, as airconditioning systems have to run overtime to cool down passenger compartments. Fleetshield, an expert in the field of protective films, argues that using tinted films on windows can play a key role in keeping trains in services and passengers comfortable.

It is not uncommon that while travelling by train, you find yourself by the window under the burning sun. You could argue that this is a minor inconvenience, but if it happens to you on a daily basis, you would like the operator – if a solution is available –  to do something about it. Fleetshield managing director Jeroen van Son argues that there is a solution in the form of a tinted protective film on the windows.

“While a fairly common practice for buildings, applying such a film on rolling stock is not something that seems to dawn on operators. Often they don’t now about the availability thereof, which is unfortunate as the advantages speak for themselves. It’s like putting sunglasses on passenger compartments”.

Comfort zone

According to Van Son, the benefits of tinted films are multifold: one the one hand you increase passenger comfort by being able to decrease the compartment temperature by a couple of degrees, as well as protect those at the window from the direct heat.

Related to that, behavioural research shows that situations that put people out of their comfort zone, such as excessive heat or sunshine in a overcrowded passenger compartment, can result in negative emotions and stress.

On the other hand, by helping cool train compartments, the airconditioning system does not have to work that hard, which in turn saves energy and reduces the risk of the system breaking down. The latter is particularly important as it is not uncommon that a breakdown of the airconditioning system results in the train coming to a halt.

‘The right climate’

Van Son hopes that operators will be susceptible to these arguments, especially as they are so interrelated. “Maintenance departments and engineers, because they think long-term, will probably see the benefits of applying tinted films from a cost-efficiency point of view while the pr-teams may be drawn to the films because of the benefits for passengers and the sustainability benefits”, Van Son explains.

Finally, the tinted film does not interfere with cellular and wifi signals. When launching new rolling stock, many operators make the point of saying that their new windows make for an improved Netflix experience. According to Van Son, only when a film contains metallic parts there is a risk of interference.

 In short, Van Son believes there is a solid case for tinted films in the railway market and that operators would do well to consider it when upgrading or refurbishing rolling stock. “We quite literally have the right climate for it nowadays”.

Further reading:

Author: Nick Augusteijn

Former Chief Editor of RailTech.com

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.