ABOUT THE RTS
Why do we need a Rail Technical Strategy?
The RTS sets a clear direction for the uptake of existing solutions and the development of new ones that are essential for industry to deliver value to its customers.
Since the 2012 version, the RTS has been valuable in aligning thinking and action in the GB rail network, and globally promoting the UK's rail expertise and approach to driving innovation.
The direction set in the RTS is informs the investment pipeline within industry organisations. Senior budget holders in infrastructure managers, vehicle owners, train and freight operators and OEMs have better visibility of the direction of travel when it comes to the technical needs and opportunities that the railway has.
The RTS is important to guide the prioritisation of existing dedicated research and innovation funds that the railway has and facilitate their coordination, including the establishment of easy pathways for progression through the Rail Industry Readiness Levels. It also allows the rail industry to influence and make the best of the R&D spending that exists beyond rail and the transport sector, which could have applicability to the challenges rail faces.
Since the 2012 version, the RTS has been valuable in aligning thinking and action in the GB rail network, and globally promoting the UK's rail expertise and approach to driving innovation.
The direction set in the RTS is informs the investment pipeline within industry organisations. Senior budget holders in infrastructure managers, vehicle owners, train and freight operators and OEMs have better visibility of the direction of travel when it comes to the technical needs and opportunities that the railway has.
The RTS is important to guide the prioritisation of existing dedicated research and innovation funds that the railway has and facilitate their coordination, including the establishment of easy pathways for progression through the Rail Industry Readiness Levels. It also allows the rail industry to influence and make the best of the R&D spending that exists beyond rail and the transport sector, which could have applicability to the challenges rail faces.
Why is a new edition needed?
In order to maintain interest and achieve greater buy-in for rapid and coordinated technical progress, the current RTS has been developed with the following principles in mind:
More compelling, in particular, setting out the steps needed in the short term, in the context of the longer-term vision
Less R&D centric, acknowledging that research and development is only part of any successful technical strategy, and therefore putting equal emphasis on the challenges and opportunity around successful deployment and adoption
This is a living, interactive strategy which, thanks to ongoing contributions from across the industry, becomes richer over time, captures and shares progress, and evolves to support industry needs and aspirations.
RTS Lead Authors
This edition of the RTS was authored by a core working group comprising representatives from RSSB, Network Rail, academic and industrial members of UKRRIN, and the Rail Delivery Group.
You can get in touch with the RTS Engine Room at rts@rssb.co.uk
Governance and other key contributors
The strategy was developed collaboratively with key input and review provided by the Rail Industry Association, Rail Freight Group and Rail Partners.
Steering has been provided by the Technology Leadership Group who will continue to sponsor and promote delivery of the strategy.
Review, support and engagement
Over 100 organisations and more than 30 prominent cross-industry groups have engaged with the ongoing development of the functional priorities.
Anyone in the rail industry is welcome to contribute to its future development.