For more than five decades, Urbis Schréder has been at the forefront of rail lighting innovation, shaping safer, more accessible and better connected transport environments across the UK and beyond

One of its earliest LED handrail installations – the ALINEA handrail at Jacobs Ladder in Cornwall (2007) – set an early benchmark for integrating lighting directly into infrastructure. At a time when embedded lighting was still emerging, this project demonstrated how thoughtful design could enhance safety, accessibility and visual clarity without compromising architectural intent.

Since then, Urbis Schréder has continued to refine and evolve its rail lighting solutions in response to changing standards, passenger expectations and operational demands. With extensive experience working within live rail environments, the company understands the importance of durability, compliance and long-term performance. Each solution is developed with a deep understanding of real-world constraints, ensuring lighting that meets strict regulatory requirements while remaining robust, maintainable and visually cohesive.

Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, Urbis Schréder works collaboratively with engineers, contractors and other rail professionals to deliver tailored lighting solutions that integrate seamlessly into the built environment. This design-led approach ensures lighting enhances the passenger journey while respecting the character and functionality of each station or transport space.

Enhancing safety, accessibility and design in high-traffic stations

This expertise was demonstrated most recently at Old Street Station, one of London’s busiest transport hubs, located at the heart of the capital’s ‘Silicon Roundabout’. Serving more than six million passengers each year, the station plays a vital role in London’s transport network and required a lighting solution capable of supporting safety, accessibility and ease of movement at all times.

As part of a major station upgrade in 2024, WSP, acting on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), appointed Urbis Schréder to design, manufacture and install a bespoke LED handrail lighting solution. Working closely with WW+P Architects, the project team developed an integrated approach that balanced performance, compliance and architectural quality.

Using the proven ALINEA LED module system, over 350 metres of illuminated handrail were installed across three station entrances – Cowper Street, the Main Entrance and the North Entrance. The warm-to-the-touch handrails significantly improve visibility along stairways and circulation routes, enhancing passenger reassurance and accessibility, particularly during peak hours and low-light conditions.

Engineered for demanding rail environments

Designed specifically for challenging rail applications, the ALINEA modules underwent independent fire assessment to meet TfL’s stringent S1085 fire safety standard, ensuring compliance with subsurface station requirements. Structurally, the handrails were tested beyond standard load requirements, guaranteeing long-term performance in high-traffic areas subject to continuous use.

Offsite fabrication played a key role in the project’s success, enabling efficient installation while minimising disruption within the live station environment. This approach supported programme certainty, reduced on-site risk and ensured consistent build quality – essential considerations for complex transport infrastructure projects.

Beyond the station interior, the forecourt was enhanced with SHUFFLE smart poles, integrating functional lighting, accent illumination and wayfinding features. Finished in sleek black, the poles complement the surrounding architecture while reinforcing identity and creating a welcoming arrival experience. Mid-hinged access enables safe, ground-level maintenance, reducing operational risk and long-term costs.

Enhancing safety and driving footfall

Projects such as Old Street Station highlight the wider role lighting plays in shaping passenger experience. Well-designed lighting improves wayfinding, reduces perceived risk and encourages movement through transport spaces, particularly during evening hours. By effectively lighting stairways, platforms, entrances and surrounding public realm areas, transport operators can improve usability and accessibility while supporting footfall and economic activity.

Lighting also protects long-term infrastructure investment. Thoughtful illumination ensures spaces remain functional, legible and inviting, helping stations adapt to changing patterns of use without requiring extensive physical alteration.

More than just lighting, a fully connected solution

With rising energy costs and increasing pressure on operational efficiency, modern rail infrastructure demands more than illumination alone. Poorly designed lighting systems can waste energy, increase maintenance burdens and fall short of passenger expectations.

Urbis Schréder addresses these challenges through connected, intelligent lighting solutions that combine performance with sustainability. Using platforms such as Schréder’s EXEDRA, lighting assets can be remotely monitored, controlled and optimised across stations, platforms, tunnels and external spaces. Operators can adapt lighting levels to real-time needs and reduce energy consumption by up to 85 per cent – without compromising reliability or design intent.

Beyond efficiency, connected lighting supports emergency response, predictive maintenance and future upgrades, helping rail operators manage assets more effectively over their full lifecycle. By integrating lighting into wider smart infrastructure strategies, Urbis Schréder enables rail environments that are resilient, adaptable and future-ready.

From historic stairways to complex urban transport hubs, Urbis Schréder continues to shape rail environments that are safer, smarter and built to last.

To discuss how Urbis Schréder can help your next project, get in touch via the contact information below.

Tel: 01256 354446
Email: sales@urbis-schreder.com
Visit: www.uk.schreder.com/en