Connectivity and control will give rail the green signal in the future

Even trains are given the "experience" moniker these days - and rightly so, as their speed and relative comfort expose the grind many passengers experience in Europe, the U.S.'s East Coast and elsewhere.

But that level of expectation from their passengers means that operators (more often than not, governments) need to up their game and also, like other parts of the travel industry, get with the digital program.

Whether it is bringing wi-fi to passengers on the New York city subway, or connecting the longest rail in the world, rail networks are undergoing a connectivity transformation.

Every player in the rail industry is looking to deliver the best possible experience for their passengers.

But it can be a challenge trying to attract more passengers and create a more connected experience while at the same time trying to keep operational costs down and expand safety and security measures.

It may seem like a catch-22, but crossing this digital divide requires a rethink on how data systems operate and how subsystems are managed.