Wearable technology to tackle fatigue in Light Rail, BaselineNC™ Project progresses towards operational use

A workplace fatigue monitoring system is entering a new phase of operational testing, following years of collaborative development.

Originally launched under the Driver Innovation Safety Challenge (DISC) and developed through subsequent phases as FOCUS+ and now BaselineNC, the project has brought together Edinburgh Trams, Integrated Human Factors (IHF), Edinburgh Napier University and key sector bodies, including UKTram.

The BaselineNC system aims to meet that need through real-time biometric monitoring, designed to detect the early onset of fatigue in safety-critical roles.

Initial proof of concept trials at the Edinburgh Trams Gogar Tram Depot Simulator provided useful biometric data to enhance the BaselineNC algorithms through machine learning, leading to 36 devices being distributed amongst volunteers from networks in Blackpool, Edinburgh, Manchester and Sheffield, as well as at UKTram.

This led to a wider EIT Urban Mobility project involving between 50-70 workers in Edinburgh and at DKV Debreceni Közlekedési Zrt. in Debrecen, Hungary, providing valuable data on how the system functions across different modes of public transport. Ross Bennie-Crawford, Assistant Safety Manager at Edinburgh Trams, said,

“Edinburgh Trams got involved with the BaselineNC project because we wanted to improve our safety systems, and manage fatigue in real time. We’re committed to constant safety evaluations, ensuring we’re meeting the ever-evolving needs of a tramline through a major city. With BaselineNC now in its pilot phase we’ll closely monitor the results throughout the next year. We’re pleased to be working so closely with IHF to ensure that we remain at the forefront of this new technology, which has the potential to proactively manage fatigue.”

With 98% biometric data accuracy achieved in early assessments, the system is now undergoing further refinement in real-world scenarios. The latest phase focuses on understanding user adoption, operational integration, and the development of clear response procedures when fatigue indicators are triggered.

UKTram, as the sector’s representative organisation, has been proud to support the visibility and sector engagement of the BaselineNC project, recognising its potential to strengthen safety and workforce wellbeing across light rail and beyond.

Join us at the Light Rail Conference 2025

IHF and UKTram will be sharing a stand at the upcoming Light Rail Conference in Leeds, taking place later this month. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn more about the evolution of the BaselineNC wearable, view the latest insights from testing, and discuss the role of innovation in supporting a safer, more resilient sector. Learn more: