From October, all Dutch train stations will be smoke-free. But what to do with the hundreds of smoking poles, ashtray tiles and signposts that have been removed and stored? ProRail and Lightwell have found the solution for the smoking poles.
By making the stations smoke-free, ProRail and NS are responding to the wishes of a vast majority of passengers, who experience nuisance from smoking fellow travellers on the platforms. With the action, ProRail and NS are taking a first step towards a smoke-free generation in 2040.
Circularity vision
Reusing the remaining materials fits perfectly into the circularity vision of ProRail, NS and Bureau Spoorbouwmeester. In total, this involves materials from some 400 stations that are visited on average by 2.5 million passengers a day.
Charging post for bicycles
Amsterdam-based Lightwell is a hardware system integrator and manufacturing company that offers integrated charging solutions that seamlessly connect to today's and tomorrow's society. Together with ProRail, it has found a green, healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to smoking poles. They will be converted into charging posts for E-bikes. Designer Florian Mesch of Lightwell, which specialises in smart city solutions, is responsible for the design. Lightwell is developing this innovation.
With minor modifications, the smoking post has been transformed into a charging post for electric bikes. A smart example of upcycling waste streams into high-quality, robust and circular designs.
It is not yet known whether the poles will be located in the bicycle sheds, or in other places near the stations. Solutions for the ashtray tiles and signposts are also still being sought.
