Refreshing rolling stock design
We're working on the eighth version of the Key Train Requirements and developing the brand new Key Wagon Maintenance Requirements.
Mark OakleyProfessional Head of Rolling Stock and Plant
A degree of guidance in rolling stock design and maintenance is vital. It’s key for safety as well as passenger comfort. Two important documents, one established and one in the works, bring that element of consistency to passenger train and freight wagons.
The Key Train Requirements (KTR) document provides a set of good practices to rolling stock procurers, designers, and manufacturers.
Built through industry consensus, the KTR document isn’t as rigid as our standards. The advice it provides covers several things that operators and rolling stock companies need to consider when designing new or refurbishing old stock. This includes maintainability and interior configuration, among other things. The Department for Transport uses the KTR as a reference document. So, if you’re a train operator procuring a new fleet, it’s important to look at the KTR.
The KTR can also be a good place for industry to show it’s responding to passengers’ concerns. For instance, an advocacy group wanted dedicated space for pushchairs on trains. So, a section was added to the KTR about including this space, plus adequate seating, when designing ‘wheelchair users and bikes’ areas. This can now be included in procurement processes for new rolling stock even though it’s not a legal requirement.
Over time, the KTR has become a bit unwieldy. This is due to the iterative processes and continuing technological developments across industry. The document was produced by Rail Delivery Group until their recent reorganisation, at which point we were very pleased to take it over. Last year, we published version 7. And this year, we will be working on version 8, improving the document’s content, structure, and useability.
Another goal is to build on our KTR experience to produce a new Key Wagon Maintenance Requirements (KWMR) document.
The KWMR will be a response to the 2020 Llangennech accident. During this accident, a freight train transporting oil derailed, spilled its contents into an estuary, and caught fire. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report made several recommendations. One of these was about sharing good practice in freight wagon maintenance.
The structure of the freight sector, and the fact that we already have experience with the KTR document, means that we are able to lead on the KWMR. We are facilitating the discussions and contributions, funding its production on behalf of industry, and publishing it.
The KWMR will be a practical document for operational use. It will contain good practice information and reminders of relevant international standards or legislation. The draft will be consulted upon by freight companies, engineering firms, and executive rail partners.
Our leadership in the management of these important materials has many benefits. We are a central body in the rail industry. This means we have access to the tools and experts necessary to drive the continual refinement of these documents and contribute in a meaningful way to rolling stock design.
Giving procurers, manufacturers, and designers the information they need to supply and maintain safe freight wagons and comfortable carriages is vital. It has the potential to drive down accident-related costs. It can also increase passengers’ and freight customers’ use and enjoyment of the rail network.
For more guidance on designing rolling stock, visit our dedicated webpage.
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