Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) is training staff to spot “potential platform-train interface hazards” by using a £100,000 interactive Virtual Reality system that replicates a station platform, complete with computer-generated passengers.

The three-wall room at ATW’s driver-training centre in Cardiff uses projectors and screens to create an immersive VR station, which the user can navigate around using a wireless hand-held controller while interacting with customers, trains and other objects.

The software was developed by Telford-based Virtual Reality Simulation Systems, which uses computer-game technology to provide safety and educational training.

Gareth Thomas, human-resources director at ATW, said: “In the last five years, 15 people have been killed in platform-train interface incidents across the UK, and another 254 have suffered major injuries.

We have a responsibility to ensure that the safety of our staff and customers is maintained and, where possible, improved.

“The well-being of our passengers is vitally important to us, and that is why we have invested heavily in developing the VR system. It will help train our staff to identify potential risks and hazards faster, so they can react quicker and reduce the number of accidents across our network.”