We must ensure that railway assets continue to perform as a whole system, effectively, safely, and at an acceptable cost. To achieve this, we must share intelligence and apply consistent approaches to managing risk.
There is a critical need to better understand and manage emerging cyber threats across the network. Developing pragmatic approaches for railway asset managers to address the risk will be key. Developing a ‘Taking Secure Decisions’ framework will provide a structured approach to addressing security risks.
Information sharing to improve asset system safety and performance must improve. We will unlock significant value by delivering a national Defect Recording and Corrective Action System (DRACAS) for control command and signalling systems. It will lead to a systematic reduction in defects across the network. To be successful, it requires agreement on information sharing across the supply chain and duty holder organisations.
New digital technology offers significant opportunity. We must ensure system assurance approaches keep pace, providing suitable and sufficient evidence that a system can be put into use safely. The assurance needs to enable the delivery of digital solutions while also maintaining system safety.
The understanding of the effects of climate change on asset safety and performance is growing. Asset vulnerability analysis and risk modelling will continue. Digital solutions such as PRIMA, a decision support tool used in the determination of speed restrictions in extreme weather, will aid the delivery of better performance and reduce network risk.
