Zenitel VAIA: The Public Address System of Choice for Rail Stations
Zenitel’s VAIA amplifier is rapidly becoming the preferred public address and voice alarm (PAVA) system for small to medium-sized rail stations across Europe. As rail operators demand greater reliability, safety, and scalability from their communication systems, VAIA stands out with its compact design, ease of integration, fast deployment, and transportation-specific functionality, all backed by Zenitel’s decades of experience in critical communication.
Tried and Tested
Over 150 stations have already implemented the VAIA solution, including Bane NOR in Norway, Network Rail in the UK, and ScotRail in Scotland. Building on this momentum, Zenitel has secured a major contract with Irish Rail to equip all of their PA stations. This rapid adoption underscores Zenitel’s and VAIA’s reputation as the trusted audio platform for reliable passenger and staff communication.
Designed for Transportation, Built on 30+ Years of Expertise
Developed specifically for transportation environments, VAIA builds on over 30 years of best practices and operator feedback. Its “one-box” design streamlines the entire process, from planning to deployment, by providing a compact, 1U all-in-one solution that fits easily into crowded equipment racks — ideal for space-constrained stations. VAIA’s simple, self-contained architecture reduces the need for complex wiring or external hardware, significantly accelerating onsite deployment.
Integration is equally straightforward thanks to Zenitel’s established VIPA Audio Platform architecture, ensuring compatibility with Zenitel’s broader PAVA and iVENCS ecosystem, as well as existing third-party integrations.
Certified Safety and Unmatched Reliability
VAIA is fully EN 54-16 and EN 54-4 certified, meeting the highest European standards for life safety, reliability, and performance in public address and voice alarm systems.
In addition, the built-in hotswap amplifier standby dramatically reduces potential downtime by allowing the system to continue operating even in the event of an amplifier failure. This level of redundancy traditionally reserved for voice alarm applications is now standard in our public address solution. Because the system remains fully functional during a fault, there is no need for an immediate maintenance visit. Instead, the faulty hardware can be replaced during routine service, saving resources, reducing technician time, and lowering the travel-related carbon footprint.
Energy Efficiency and Cost-Effective Operation
VAIA’s energy-efficient design reduces both power consumption and operating costs, helping rail operators achieve sustainability targets without compromising performance. This is particularly valuable for systems running 24/7 over 10–15 years, where lifetime operating costs far exceed the initial hardware investment.
With built-in remote diagnostics and monitoring, VAIA also enables proactive system management, a key advantage for stations with limited on-site technical staff. Potential issues can be identified and assessed remotely, minimizing costly maintenance visits and ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Scalable, Future-Ready, and Backward Compatible
As rail networks modernise, VAIA provides a future-proof foundation for growth. Its backward compatibility with existing Zenitel peripherals enables cost-effective upgrades and protects previous infrastructure investments. Stations can expand functionality or integrate new technologies without the need for expensive complete system overhauls.
Through careful design, component selection, and manageable mid-life upgrades, VAIA offers a stable and sustainable platform for a minimum of 10 years, which is often a requirement in modern specifications. It is built on rigorous testing regimes and best practices that have kept our legacy range operating reliably in the field for 20+ years.
Setting the Standard for European Rail Communication
Compact, certified, and easy to deploy, Zenitel’s VAIA amplifier empowers rail operators to deliver clear communication, ensure passenger safety, and streamline operations across the network. As adoption continues to grow, Zenitel proudly sets the benchmark for innovative, scalable, and future-ready rail communication systems, supporting safer and more efficient travel.
A Complete Audio Solution for Every Station
With Zenitel’s IP loudspeakers, the VAIA amplifier, and VIPEDIA / V2000 based systems, we offer a comprehensive, end-to-end solution that scales effortlessly from the smallest local station to the largest national transport hub.
In addition, Zenitel provides specialized rail intercom systems, including passenger help points for public areas and trackside industrial intercom devices for operational and maintenance use.
Whether it’s public announcements, emergency alerts, or two-way communication, Zenitel delivers a complete, integrated audio solution that ensures clarity, safety, and reliability covering all rail audio needs.
For more information on Zenitel’s powerful VAIA PAVA solution, contact Zenitel today.