Optimised train operations - Rail Technical Strategy

Optimised train operations

Train services will be highly reliable and the capacity of the network improved by real-time management, better train planning and simulation, and shorter headways together with new solutions at nodes.

High service reliability, more agile and robust train planning solutions, and improved solutions to better manage and increase capacity where needed are at the very heart of ensuring that rail retains and attracts new customers.

"Highly technical and sophisticated solutions to optimise train operations offer unprecedented opportunities, but we also need solutions that bring simplicity and agility to the way we operate the railway to deliver greater benefit to the customer more quickly." READ MORE

Patrick Verwer, Chief Executive Officer, Govia Thameslink Railway

VIEW THE ROUTEMAP

The functional priority routemaps highlight the steps needed in the next few years to ensure that new technical solutions can underpin progress towards the key goals. You can explore the latest version of the routemap below and also read about progress to date against the stepping stones.

Select the routemap or progress update, then hover over the image to zoom in / out.

Download the Routemap

Routemap

Download the Progress update

Progress update

An interactive version is available to view on desktop

Case studies

Case studies help the railway to celebrate and publicise its achievements and learn lessons in introducing new solutions. Explore the stories below and share yours at rts@rssb.co.uk.

Tracsis Bellvedi’s ATTUne4C Delivers New Tools for More Responsive Train Planning Read more

Innovative Western Route pilot achieves significant benefits from Traffic Management and Crew & Stock integration Read more

Simulating passenger movement at the Platform Train interface to understand the impact of station design on dwell time Read more

Using cryogenic rail head cleaning to tackle leaves on the line Read more

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games: modernising rail networks without disrupting passengers Read more

Responsive and agile freight pathing opportunities Read more

Using AI to improve punctuality and minimise the effects of disruption and its impact on passengers Read more

The Seasonal Intelligence Platform: tackling the autumn adhesion challenge Read more

Strategic decision-making support to reduce the impact of delays Read more

Degraded Mode Working System (DMWS) Read more

Thameslink core Read more

Driver Advisory Systems (DAS) Read more

Who is doing what?

Many research and innovation activities support progress towards the goals set out for this priority. Visibility of these is essential to enable greater collaboration and increase the likelihood of success. This is why the RTS puts a spotlight on a selection of these activities, enables you to download the full list of activities of which we are aware, and invites you to add to this picture by sharing your own work.

Red Aspects BY Train Services (RABYTS)

RSSB and the University of Huddersfield are working together to explore alternative means of analysing red approach data by train journey and service delays.

More responsive train planning - ATTUne4C

Tracsis Bellvedi used RSSB innovation funding to develop new capabilities to support Very Short Term Planning and automatic initiation of contingency plans tailored to different operational scenarios.

Digital Automatic Coupling on the GB network

An RSSB provided insights into the costs and benefits of introducing digital automatic coupling, to inform future decisions.

NR+ Integrated Digitised Rail Infrastructure Platform

University of Hull project to demonstrate the rail freight planning process on an integrated digital Network Rail Plus Suite of products made up of infrastructure (NR+IP), integration services (NR+IS) and apps (NR+App) (218)

In-service trial of Double Variable Rate Sanders

To encourage early adopters of Double Variable Rate Sanders (DVRS) in the GB rail industry, RSSB worked with industry to equip two multiple units to collect data to demonstrate in-service benefits.

Enabling better planning and resource management during disruption

RSSB have produced and will soon pilot good practice guidance and toolkits to enable better contingency planning, resource utilisation during disruption and control competence, identifying quick wins ready for industry use.

Low adhesion braking model

The University of Huddersfield and RSSB have developed a computer simulation tool for the braking performance and behaviours of a whole train in low adhesion conditions and in normal wheel-rail conditions.

Target 190plus

Network Rail R&D programme aligned with the Rail Sector Deal, looking at addressing the sustainability of future signalling systems on the GB network. It aims to provide the capability to enable safe, affordable and deliverable signalling to meet future demands.

ASSIGN

ASSIGN (Advisory System for SIGNallers for improved User Worked Crossing Resilience) developed by Thales to validate decisions and give greater resilience to infrastructure.

Rail Performance Modelling for Strategic Decision Making

Risk Solutions have delivered a rail incident simulation and performance system to identify root causes of delays and poor performance, and test improvement strategies.

Future Railway Mobile Communication System

FRMCS is the future worldwide telecommunication system developed by international stakeholders, including Network Rail, as the successor of GSM-R and a key enabler for rail transport digitalisation.

Download the full list

Share what you are working on

Help keep the industry up to date with progress by sharing your research and innovation activities that are relevant to this priority.

Functional PRIORITIES