Brighton station, which handles approximately 15 million passengers annually, is set to pilot new technology that delivers station announcements directly to commuters’ headphones via Bluetooth. The initiative aims to improve accessibility, particularly for passengers with hearing impairments or those who struggle to hear announcements amid the often-challenging acoustics of the grade II listed building.

In partnership with Ampetronic, the station is deploying a system that uses Auracast, a Bluetooth broadcasting standard compatible with various hearing aids and headphones, including models from Sony, Samsung, and JBL. The new setup will allow commuters who opt in to receive audio alerts—such as platform changes, delays, or emergency notifications—straight to their personal listening devices.

Jonathon Hoskin, representing Ampetronic, explained that users will connect to the broadcast similarly to joining public Wi-Fi or digital radio networks. Looking ahead, the company envisions devices equipped with “memory retention” to facilitate automatic connections whenever a passenger approaches the station concourse. Hoskin emphasized the system’s design as “non-invasive,” requiring voluntary opt-in to prevent users from being overwhelmed by unwanted audio messages.

Currently, participants in the trial will hear all station announcements. However, the technology has the potential to deliver more tailored experiences by leveraging metadata transmitted alongside the audio. Hoskin noted that future iterations might enable users to filter alerts by platform or zone, setting priority levels so announcements only interrupt their personal audio when relevant.

The approach draws on existing applications of Auracast technology, which is already employed in some West End theatres to aid patrons with hearing loss. Jenny Sarling of the Brighton and Hove Hearing Loss group described the initiative as a “game-changer,” highlighting its potential to alleviate the anxiety and isolation that people with hearing difficulties often experience in busy stations. “It’s the difference between feeling isolated on the station and worried about your journey and being able to relax knowing that if anything changes you will hear it,” she said.

The trial at Brighton station will run over the next year, with passenger uptake and overall effectiveness closely monitored. Should the results prove positive, authorities may consider expanding the system across other stations and possibly onboard trains, aiming to enhance accessibility and communication throughout the rail network.