To protect a passive level crossing the total cost does not have to be overwhelming. The Wavetrain level crossing warning system is easy and quick to install and does not take up many resources or time to complete. Installing a traditional level crossing system however requires significantly more resources and cost. 

Conventional level crossing protection comes with a train detection system and connected lights and sounders. In addition, it is often fully integrated with signaling. A strike-in point is calculated using line speed and required warning time for the location it is to be installed on. Usually strike-in is hundreds of meters from the actual level crossing, and in both directions from the level crossing. A design for the area including care not to interfere with other infrastructure along the cable stretch, strike-in points and the level crossing itself is needed. Installation whether in existing cable troughs, or digging new trenches poses significant traffic interruption. Work like this could take weeks to finish. Total cost is in the hundreds of thousands of pounds and could run in the millions of pounds. The different technologies comprising a conventional level crossings equals high cost before being operational. Passenger inconvenience during installation is also widespread during installation. 

The Wavetrain level crossing warning system uses a different approach to train detection. Sensors mounted on the rails at the crossing itself picks up acoustic train noises. These signals are interpreted in the control unit a maximum of forty meters from the sensors, leaving the installation cost miniscule compared to traditional equipment. The mounting of the sensors can be done in between train traffic, or during nights when traffic is less frequent. The same goes for foundation for the control unit and poles for the lights/sounders and signage. This means traffic interruption can be avoided during installation. Warning time for a given location is set up after a few trains have traversed the sensors. An additional luxury that sets the Wavetrain level crossing warning system apart from traditional systems is easily adjustable warning time. To change warning time for a conventional system, new strike-in points would have to be calculated and then re-cable the full length in either direction. This would in turn include traffic interruption for the duration. 

The Wavetrain level crossing warning system could be installed in a day without traffic interruption. 

It improves on design cost, time spent, resources needed, passenger inconvenience and overall cost. Adjusting for alternate warning times when needed is also a huge benefit. Lastly, but also important, no moving parts or adjustment during operational use. Significantly reducing life cycle cost maintaining the level crossing warning system.