Can I trial a unit before I buy?

Sorry, but we can't offer individual operator trials. We're focusing on manufacturing and delivering the devices ordered by customers before the deadline. Route Robin has been trialled on live journeys attended by the Department for Transport, Rail Delivery Group and some of the biggest train and coach operators in the country.

Can you send me an invoice first?

We know that many operators have finance and procurement teams that need an invoice before any payment can be made. Using this page, you can request an invoice by placing your order. You'll then be presented with a payment option to "Request an Invoice." Invoices need to be paid within 7 days to lock in your place in the production queue.

Can passengers break it?

We've spent a lot of time designing the Route Robin so that it is suitable for its environment. The window mount, touchscreen, power and associated switches are all in a locked enclosure. We recognise that passengers and drivers can sometimes be rough with devices like this and some passengers might deliberately try to cause nuisance. It's designed to withstand this type of use and keep working, journey after journey.

Can passengers pull it down?

A determined passenger intent on damaging the unit could damage it. Our priority is to ensure that they can't damage your vehicle by hanging off the unit or attempting to lever it off the glass. The display arm will deliberately hinge in if it detects someone is hanging from it. The window mount is designed to fail, and be easily replaced, before there is any risk to the integrity of your vehicle's window, glass, frame or seal.

Will Route Robin Rapid fall off my window?

No. It uses an industrial suction cup that is rated to hold over 250kg of weight. The suction cup is a powered device that automatically maintains suction by expelling any air that enters the vacuum chamber.

Can batteries be easily swapped?

Yes, the Route Robin Rapid unit is designed so that batteries can easily be swapped in and out.

What are the rules for double deckers?

Both visual and audible information need to be available for 51% of passengers on each deck. This means a double decker requires two display solutions as a minimum, then an integrated PA. One induction loop on the lower deck is usually sufficient.

What are the rules for interdecks?

If you have a wheelchair bay on the lower section with the driver, the regulations dictate that visual and audio route and stop information must be provided to the wheelchair bay user. This means the lower section needs to be compliant. This could be achieved with Route Robin Rapid + Induction Loop if you don't already have one.

What if I have a rear-facing wheelchair bay?

You will need two displays.

How many passengers need to be able to see the display?

51% on each deck.

How do you meet audio compliance?

The audio part of the regulations is the most difficult to comply with, since it's impossible to be compliant with a single audio source. There are two parts to audio compliance: audible limits of 3 dB above ambient volume for 51% of passengers on each deck, and the induction loop requirement.

Our Route Robin Rapid unit connects best over Bluetooth. We can provide you with a range of options to connect a non-Bluetooth system: our PA integration kit includes an aux line out, Bluetooth to aux input and FM transmitter. Our portable induction loop fits with any Route Robin system and has a range of 2 metres.

Is induction loop installation required?

No, we can provide you with a portable induction loop that meets the regulations.

Is the display compliant?

Yes, comfortably beyond the requirement. It uses white on black, mixed case, sans-serif font that is over 22mm tall. In fact it's over three times the required height and can be seen from over 100 feet.

Does it announce stops when the vehicle's doors are open, as per regulations?

Yes, we detect when the vehicle reaches the programmed GPS point and dwells at the location. We then announce "this is <stop name>" on a regular basis until the vehicle moves on from that location.

How does it deal with route changes?

Routes can be updated using the touchscreen, or remotely using the web app.

Do drivers need to interact with it or use their phone to program it?

No, not at all. We recognise that drivers have enough on their plate and want to focus on driving. The route can be programmed remotely, the device can be installed before the route starts and the route will automatically progress as the vehicle runs its route. There's no need for the driver to use their phone, use the touchscreen, or keep any extra devices in the cab.

I only want to use it for rail replacement work, then take it down, store it in the depot and maybe move it to another vehicle for the next job. How will it cope with that?

That's exactly what our Route Robin Rapid unit is designed for. It's designed to be installed and removed easily.

I want to use this kit in my vehicle permanently and I don't want to worry about charging batteries. Is it designed for that?

Route Robin Rapid itself isn't designed for permanent installation, but the components inside it are. They can all be mounted and powered individually. You can build a custom solution that suits you.

How much does Route Robin Rapid weigh?

Well under 10kg.

What is the battery life?

Battery life is 18 hours on a single charge. Batteries can be swapped.

How long can it be mounted?

It can be mounted for 24 hours. After that, it will prompt for remounting.

Do you offer any other fixing options?

We are working on a seat mount but this is not currently available. You can also fix Route Robin components around your vehicle using brackets.

Is Route Robin equipment eligible for the Transferable A-V Equipment on Rail Replacement Coaches grant?

Yes. Route Robin equipment is eligible for the UK Government's Transferable A-V Equipment on Rail Replacement Coaches grant funding.

How much can I reclaim through the PSVAIR grant?

The current grant funding allows you to reclaim up to £2,000 per vehicle for eligible transferable audio-visual equipment.

Does the grant cap include VAT?

The grant is capped at £2k per vehicle excluding VAT. This means that if you bought a solution for £2,850 + VAT, you would pay £3,420 inc VAT. You would reclaim the £570 VAT from HMRC, the government would rebate £1,995 of the cost of the equipment, so in total you would have paid £855 for the equipment.

Is the £2k cap the most I can pay for PSVAIR equipment per vehicle, or the most I can reclaim?

It's the most you can reclaim.

Will Route Robin help with the grant claim?

Yes. Once you've placed your order, we provide a reclaim pack to help you prepare your grant claim in under five minutes.

What happens if my grant reclaim is refused?

If you place your order in June and complete your claim before the end of July, we'll guarantee your grant reclaim. If your grant reclaim is refused, you can return your product for a full refund no questions asked.

Can I claim for purchases made before the grant claim process opens?

Yes. DfT have confirmed that purchases made on or after 9th June 2026 are eligible, provided the equipment and claim meet the grant rules.

Do I need to buy the equipment before claiming?

Yes. The grant reimburses purchased equipment. Quotes are not enough on their own, so you will need proof of purchase for your claim.

Am I eligible if I have never operated rail replacement before?

Yes. Coach operators without recent rail replacement history can still apply, but their funding is tiered differently from operators who have supplied rail replacement services in the previous 12 months.

Does the equipment need to be transferable between vehicles?

Yes. The grant is specifically for transferable audio-visual equipment that can be moved between coaches used for rail replacement services.

Would permanently wired equipment qualify for the grant?

No. The grant excludes permanent refits and equipment that requires wiring into the vehicle.

Are Portable Induction Loops eligible on their own?

Portable Induction Loops are eligible when supplied as part of, or to support, a complete transferable system that generates compliant journey information. On their own, without equipment that generates the required information, they are unlikely to qualify.

Are displays eligible on their own?

Displays are eligible when they are supplied as part of, or to support, a complete transferable system that generates compliant journey information. A display on its own is unlikely to qualify unless it forms part of a compliant system.

Does the system need to generate AIR-compliant information itself?

Yes. The grant is intended for equipment that enables compliance with the Accessible Information Regulations, so the system needs to generate compliant route and stop information rather than simply acting as a passive screen or speaker.

How many vehicles can I claim for?

Operators without recent rail replacement history can claim 75% funding for up to 5 vehicles, then lower rates for additional vehicles. Operators with recent rail replacement history may qualify for 75% funding on their peak rail replacement vehicle requirement, or 5 vehicles, whichever is greater.

What documents will I need for the grant claim?

You should expect to provide proof of purchase, equipment details, operator and business details, and supporting information explaining how the equipment will be used for rail replacement services. We provide you with a reclaim pack to make all of this really simple.

Could the grant funding run out before the six-month window closes?

Yes. The scheme is open for six months or until the funding is depleted, so earlier claims are less likely to be affected by the overall funding cap. Order yours today to avoid missing out.

Can I claim for buses as well as coaches?

No. The scheme is for transferable audio-visual equipment on rail replacement coaches, not buses.