Sensative and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) present SeatSense
This announcement marks the first large-scale deployment of a retrofit seat-occupancy detection system in live passenger rail service, providing data that supports operational decision-making while also improving customer experience.
- The solution delivers several strong benefits, including:
SeatSense increases data accuracy, creating the potential for an overall revenue uplift. - An improved strategy that spreads peak demand across multiple departures, increasing capacity utilization and efficiency.
- The ability to make booked but unoccupied seats available for ticket sales to mitigate congestion.
Together with LNER, this marks the beginning of a true gamechanger for the rail industry.
David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said:
“The ability to provide this real-time information for both our customers and our colleagues is set to be a gamechanger for LNER and the rail industry. The sensors will not only make things simpler for customers, but they will also help us better forecast demand and ultimately support us in operating a more efficient and responsive railway.”
Building on this milestone, Sensative is preparing to introduce SeatSense as a complete commercial offering for the wider rail market. Further details on capabilities, integrations, and availability will be shared in the coming months.
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MEDIA RELEASE
03 FEBRUARY 2026
Smart Sensors to Make Finding a Seat Easier on LNER Service
Customers travelling with LNER will find it easier than ever to locate an available seat or wheelchair space, thanks to new smart sensors being introduced across the Azuma fleet.
Following a successful trial, LNER is installing more than 36,000 “SeatSense” sensors. The small devices will be fitted above all seats and wheelchair spaces and will detect and show instantly whether they are available or occupied, providing real-time updates. This marks a significant shift from previous systems that relied almost entirely on reservation data.
LNER has partnered with innovative tech company Sensative AB. The sensors use radio-wave technology – a first for the railway industry- with the results of the trial revealing more than 98 per cent accuracy. The sensors are cable-free and are powered by a single energy-efficient cell battery.
A further onboard enhancement designed to make journeys simpler for customers is the removal of the amber “May be reserved later” display on the Azuma trains. Seats and wheelchair spaces will now show as either green for “Available” or red for “Reserved”, helping customers feel more confident when travelling with LNER.
David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to be introducing this highly accurate and innovative technology across our fleet of Azuma trains. The ability to provide this real-time information for both our customers and our colleagues is set to be a gamechanger for LNER and the rail industry. The sensors will not only make simpler for customers, but it will also help us better forecast demand and ultimately support us in operating a more efficient and responsive railway.”
Johan Frilund, Chief Executive Officer at Sensative, said:
“In a strong collaboration with LNER, we have demonstrated that high-accuracy, battery-powered seat occupancy sensing can be fitted at scale, certified for rail operations, and deployed across a live fleet without impacting service. The full rollout of SeatSense across the LNER Azuma fleet establishes a new reference point for how trusted, infrastructure-grade data can support operational decision-making while improving the customer experience.”
About LNER
LNER, which is publicly owned by DFTO, is on a mission to transform rail travel. Our modern Azuma fleet of trains continue more than a hundred years of LNER tradition – setting new, higher standards in comfort, reliability and customer experience. LNER calls at more than 50 stations along almost athousand miles on the East Coast route, including major towns and cities between London, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, the North East of England and Scotland.
For further information
Please contact the LNER Press Office:
E: press.office@lner.co.uk
T: 07704 021 208
