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Enterprise Education

What You’ll Learn in this Webinar

➡️ Introduction to Immersive Learning with Uptale
➡️ MNR’s successful adoption of VR Training for frontline workers
➡️ 2 Use Cases: Train Approach Warning and Customer De-escalation
➡️ Other use cases from top leaders in transportation & railroad

Speakers:

  • Lorne Lieb, Assistant Director Interactive & Program Development – Metro-North Railroad MTA
  • Thien Polodna, Head of Expertise – Uptale

The Challenge: Training in a High-Stakes, Field-Based Industry

Metro-North Railroad (MTA), North America’s largest commuter rail, faces major training challenges:

  • Communicating the life-or-death importance of safety procedures

  • Preparing employees for difficult customer interactions

  • Training on complex equipment that’s often unavailable due to active use

  • Teaching tasks in hazardous environments without exposing workers to real risks

Traditional methods (videos, manuals, e-learning) weren’t enough. MTA needed something more immersive, more realistic—and safer.

The Solution: Immersive, Tailored VR Training

By partnering with Uptale, MTA launched 360° VR training modules built in-house using Uptale’s no-code platform. Key benefits:

  • Simulates real-life scenarios on actual MTA tracks, with MTA procedures and equipment

  • Supports critical decision-making through interactive branching experiences

  • Offers flexible access via headsets, desktops, or tablets—ideal for a large, distributed workforce

  • Maintains ISO standards and enterprise-level security while being cost-efficient

Use Case 1: Track Safety – Train Approach Warning

A new VR course simulates scenarios for employees setting up “Train Approach Warning” systems:

  • Learners practice critical safety steps individually

  • Mistakes trigger immediate feedback, not real-world danger

  • Deployed in qualification courses for transportation and maintenance workers

🛠 Already trained: 200+ employees | Target for year-end: 500

Use Case 2: Customer Conflict – Aggressive Passenger Simulation

For conductors handling passengers, VR now enables:

  • Exposure to stressful, real-life conflict with aggressive customers

  • Opportunity to test de-escalation strategies in a safe space

  • Training tailored for new hires and corrective retraining

Each choice in the scenario changes the outcome—ensuring personalized, repeatable learning.

Watch VR Teaser Talk to an expert

Results: Smarter, Safer, Scalable Training

For Metro-North Railroad, VR allows anytime training, real-life emotional scenarios, safe environements for mistakes, individual decisions-making and the same experience for each employees.

🎯
Standardized experiences for all employees
🚀
Faster onboarding and retention of procedures
🧠
Higher engagement and learner retention
✅
More confident workers, fewer near misses

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