The digital passenger information and communication system VisiWeb makes a significant contribution to the comfort and safety of passengers in public rail transport. These systems are now indispensable in terms of passenger comfort and safety. VisiWeb is based on digital technology, has a modular architecture, and can be adapted in terms of functionality and scope at any time to the various requirements of the operators.

The VisiWeb passenger information system not only provides passengers with important information, it also serves to ensure passenger safety. In addition to seamless video surveillance, it provides communication facilities for passengers to allow emergency support at any time.

Passenger intercom units for passenger safety
VisiWeb provides passenger intercoms for communication. In the passenger compartment of a car, there are usually several intercom stations, clearly visible in the entry and exit areas. These enable direct full duplex communication with high voice quality.

By pressing the SOS button, passengers can communicate either directly with the train driver or contact an employee in the remote control centre or the railway police via the cellular network, depending on the requirements of the rail operator.

Proven Reliability
As a pioneering manufacturer Ruf has equipped several fleets at various Swiss railway operators with VisiWeb ESU passenger intercoms. These were reliably in operation for over 15 years until the 2G network (GSM) was finally shut down by the telecommunications providers in April 2021. This necessitated our new solution.

Modernized with a future-proof SIP solution
With the use of the VisiWeb SGU (SIP Gateway Unit), Ruf has developed a future-proof solution. The big advantage is that the proven VisiWeb passenger intercom devices of the first generation can still be used, which saves costs and underlines the sustainability of the VisiWeb system.

The use of the VisiWeb SGU and the implementation of the SIP standard make the audiosystem of the intercom stations independent of the current and future mobile radio standards. The intercoms now communicate directly with the VisiWeb SGU, which converts the audio into SIP-standard. These SIP streams are then forwarded to a cellular network router that supports the required voice gateway technology.

SGU in use in 363 vehicles
VisiWeb SGU is used in a total of 363 vehicles on the SBB (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen), SOB (Schweizerische Südostbahn), MGB (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), CJ (Chemin de fer du Jura). A large number of the vehicles have already been retrofitted, so that they operate according to the latest communication standards.

Investment protection
Thanks to the modular structure and the innovative technology of the VisiWeb passenger information system, proven, existing components can also be adapted to future technological change. Therefore investments in VisiWeb are thus protected in the long term.