Operations

Key risk area

Operations

Ensuring a safe and reliable service

Train Operations

While SPAD rates and risk have reduced over the past 20 years, since the pandemic these have started to rise again. Challenges persist in investigating and sharing intelligence about their underlying causes. Research suggests we have reached the limits of human performance in reducing SPAD risk. While continuing to support our colleagues to retain this level of performance that alone is not enough.

To achieve significant change, industry must improve data quality and enhance its understanding of red aspect risk. It must apply strong cross-industry leadership in designing and implementing a robust train protection strategy. The European Train Control System (ETCS) will address this where it is introduced. In the interim, risk management remains crucial.

The focus on overspeed risks and understanding the reasons behind failure to comply with speed restrictions will continue. Developing an industry speed risk data strategy and a speed risk ranking tool will ensure our understanding and management of this risk aligns with other operational risks.

Recognising that there are many causes for objects on the line, better intelligence and use of technology will enable enhanced cross-industry management of the risk.

Making rail travel a practical and attractive option for everyone

Passenger Operations

Ensuring safety for the public and the workforce working in and around our stations and on our trains remains a top priority.

The Platform Train Interface (PTI) is a key concern, given evolving customer behaviour and expectations. 50% of the fatality risk to passengers is at the PTI. Opportunities to address PTI risks requires close cooperation with customers, stakeholders, and industry peers. Our goal is to develop an informed and inclusive PTI strategy.

Improving passenger safety through station design is crucial. This involves addressing escalator risks, considering higher-risk customer profiles, and removing obstacles to independent travel.

Safety considerations extend beyond station premises. We must manage the risk to our passengers onboard our trains and during disruption when rail replacement services are provided.

Our approach emphasises agility and innovation. We want to empower our workforce to make informed decisions and improve customers’ risk awareness throughout their entire journey.

Strategic road maps

	Train Operations Ensuring a safe and reliable service
2028	Train protection strategy implementation in flight
2027	Pilot the speed risk ranking tool
2027	Overspeed risk understanding consistent with SPAD risk understanding
2026	Delivery of Red Aspect Approach to Signals toolkit 2 (RAATS2) functionality
2025	Strategy to improve SPAD investigations and reporting
2024	Train Protection Strategy agreed with defined ownership
2024	Industry Speeding Data Strategy

	Passenger Operations Making rail travel a practical and attractive option for all
2028	PTI strategy implementation in flight
2027 - 2025	Investigation of innovative technologies to provide safe intuitive stations and onboard environments
	Industry campaigns on specific Platform Train Interface risks
	Undertake bowtie reviews and provide framework for risk management
2024	Create framework for comprehensive PTI Strategy