Zenitel: Keeping London safe for over 30 years – now showcased at the London Transport Museum

Zenitel, a global leader in intelligent communication solutions, is proud to have its advanced Public Address and Voice Alarm (PAVA) technology featured in the London Transport Museum. This interactive exhibit highlights Zenitel’s long-standing role in ensuring safety and seamless communication across London’s transport networks, while also showcasing the next generation of reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions.

For over 30 years, Zenitel has played a crucial role in supporting Transport for London (TfL), including the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Crossrail, London Underground, and London Overground. Designed to meet the highest safety standards, Zenitel’s communication systems provide clear, reliable, 24/7 connectivity, safeguarding millions of passengers and transport staff every day.

The museum’s exhibit showcases two PAVA systems, illustrating the evolution of public address and voice alarm technology. One is the pioneering system developed by Millbank and ASL for the Jubilee Line Extension (JLE) in 1999, while the other is Zenitel’s next-generation IP-based VIPEDIA system. Displayed side by side in an original JLE 19" cabinet, the contrast is striking—the original Millbank system occupies 30U of rack space, whereas the new VIPEDIA system requires just 3U. This dramatic reduction highlights Zenitel’s advancements in audio technology, sustainability, and operational efficiency over the past 30 years.

The original JLE system was a groundbreaking achievement—the world’s first fully digital PAVA system. Installed ahead of the Millennium, it played a crucial role in providing emergency and routine communication across 10 stations, Stratford Market Depot, and key control centres. Designed with fire alarm integration, localized announcements, and automated evacuation messaging, it set a new benchmark for public transport safety. Zenitel’s latest technology builds on this legacy, offering a more compact, sustainable, and advanced solution for modern transportation networks.

Zenitel’s VIPEDIA system, now installed across TfL’s network, demonstrates remarkable advancements in scalability, energy efficiency, and hardware design. By reducing the size of equipment cabinets and optimising power consumption, Zenitel has delivered a solution that not only meets but exceeds today’s rigorous safety and sustainability goals.

“Safety, reliability, and sustainability have always been at the heart of Zenitel’s mission,” says Henry Rawlins, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at Zenitel. “Being featured in the London Transport Museum reflects the trust that TfL and transport authorities worldwide place in our technology. We are proud to continue innovating for the next 30 years, ensuring that London remains safe, connected, and sustainable.”

Zenitel’s technology is built with sustainability in mind. Given that PAVA systems operate 24/7, they must be highly energy-efficient while ensuring continuous availability through hardware redundancy and battery backups. By optimizing energy consumption and modularity, Zenitel enables its customers to meet sustainability goals without compromising safety or performance. The interactive PAVA exhibit offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of communication technology and its vital role in public safety, reinforcing Zenitel’s contribution to London’s transport innovation and excellence.