Research short
West Midlands Trains are trialling automated driver competency indicators, which give drivers insights into their own performance.
Data holds power beyond its primary use. That’s a concept rail is already very familiar with. And with the rise in exciting new digital technologies, we’re seeing this more and more.
New opportunities can be found by combining data from different sources. For example, it’s possible to combine information from on-train data recorders with infrastructure, signalling, and timetabling data to give drivers new insights into their performance.
Automated driver competency indicators (ADCIs) have been developed through the RSSB and University of Huddersfield strategic partnership. They provide a more complete, granular, and objective view of driver competency.
This richer picture helps drivers hone their skills as part of a continuous approach to professional self-development. It also means that driver managers can save time and focus their efforts on providing more targeted training and support. This can help reduce risks and prevent incidents.
West Midlands Trains are trialling ADCIs on their Class 196s on the Shrewsbury to Birmingham Route. This is part of a wider trial of Cogitare’s TrainServ software. TrainServ uses data from different sources to support operations and planning.
We are now discussing ways to deploy ADCIs with operators across GB rail. Contact Marcus Carmichael, Professional Lead - Operations & Performance Research at RSSB, to join the conversation.
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