As the rail sector pursues ever greater energy efficiency, adaptive lighting systems promise incremental savings. But in passenger environments, could these measures unintentionally undermine the confidence and reassurance that good lighting is meant to provide? For passengers arriving at a station late at night, lighting is often the first indication that

Lighting in the rail environment is often treated as a functional necessity rather than a strategic asset. Yet growing evidence suggests that circadian-aware lighting—already established in healthcare and aviation—offers a practical, low-cost opportunity to improve passenger experience, staff wellbeing and overall perception of safety across the rail network. From illumination to