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A simplified system for connecting small freight terminals to the mainlineAnother successful V/T SIC and ADHERE seminarRead the System Interface Committee annual reports
We are looking for test sites to trial the new system. Can you help?
The rail industry needs to connect more freight terminals to the mainline to meet the government target of 75% growth in rail freight by 2050. The current approach to signal connection and the associated costs and timescales are a barrier, particularly for lower-use freight terminals.
Connecting new sites to the network is prohibitive for all bar the largest multi-user, multi-train developments. These costs make rail an uneconomic option from the outset for smaller single-user, lower-volume sites. However, smaller sites can make an important contribution to expanding rail freight.
Our research considered opportunities for a standardised design suited to a low-volume rail freight facility (up to three trains per day). We established that a modified signalling solution is viable. It would make opening new rail freight terminals simpler, quicker, and cheaper.
Because the solution uses technology already approved on the GB rail network, the new system and associated process are ready to be trialled.
Keep up to date with the project at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue/CatalogueItem/T1368.
We are now looking to work with industry partners, including freight operators and customers, to trial the newly defined system on the network. Please get in touch with Aaron Rostron-Barrett, Head of Research Delivery, to find out more:
Aaron.Rostron-Barrett@rssb.co.uk
This work provides a significant opportunity to the rail freight sector. Making it easier to connect freight terminals with the network is paramount for delivering rail freight growth.
If you missed the 2025 seminar, catch up now by downloading the presentations.
The 2025 Vehicle/Track System Interface Committee and ADHERE seminar took place at the historic Grade 1 listed Hospitium in York in March. The seminar was attended by 102 delegates and received excellent feedback.
The day started with the latest research findings on damage and wear mechanisms and new management approaches for vehicle/track interface issues. The ADHERE seminar in the afternoon covered new knowledge and techniques for better wheel/rail adhesion.
Presentation topics included:
in-service track monitoring to better predict deterioration to infrastructure
heavy axle weight assessment for underline bridges to inform future route availability
lessons learnt from the take-up of variable-rate sanders.
Download the presentations from the seminar at rssb.co.uk/spark/sparkitem/VTSIC-and-ADHERE-Seminar-2025.
Contact Ben Altman, Senior Research Analyst, with any queries:
Ben.Altman@rssb.co.uk
‘I think they are great sessions with almost the perfect balance between industry and academia. And very well organised.’ ‘It was a lively and entertaining event covering a wide range of topics and it all worked like clockwork. Well done to all involved.’
Keep up with the latest thinking in technical areas and contribute your expertise.
System Interface Committees (SICs) are senior cross-industry technical groups. They help the railway industry manage crucial rail interfaces in an effective, safe, and cost-efficient way. Currently, there are six SICs, covering the following interfaces:
Data and Information
Vehicle/Structures
Vehicle/Track
Vehicle/Train Control and Communications
Vehicle/Train Energy
Vehicle/Vehicle.
SICs act at a strategic and tactical level by identifying opportunities, commissioning studies, and championing research findings. They evaluate solutions and make recommendations in the best interest of the railway as a whole. Their work informs decisions and standards.
The annual reports for 2024–2025 showcase key accomplishments of each SIC over the past year. They also summarise current work and how the committees are engaging with industry. Each report highlights opportunities to get involved, from vacancies on the committee to joining project steering groups.
Find out more and read the reports by visiting rssb.co.uk/about-rssb/groups-and-committees/technical-strategy/system-interface-committee-chairs and following the links to each SIC.
Contact Roisin Mulvany, Lead Industry Groups Manager, with any queries:
Roisin.Mulvany@rssb.co.uk
