The Rail Standards Strategy is our five-year vision for standards-related activities that sets out our plan to address broader industry objectives, challenges, and opportunities. In 2022 we have seen far greater political, economic, and social change in the rail sector than in previous years. Much of the sector is looking for better ways of working together to reduce costs for industry, while still fostering innovation and creativity in sustainability and performance.
We have continued to track progress against the objectives within the strategy. This year we have been:
Responding to needs and adapting to challenges by delivering benefits to industry of nearly £70m over a five-year period through revisions to standards. Particularly noteworthy is over £27m of savings through publication of the revised AC electrification standards, delivered six months earlier than originally planned, and substantially reducing the need for deviations.
Enabling digitalisation, the use of alternative energy sources and better use of data by considering whether hydrogen could provide traction on some parts of the decarbonised railway, and if so, how to do it. The Hydrogen Policy and Standards paper, available on the RSSB website, covers the adequacy of existing standards to manage the risks associated with hydrogen systems and clarifies the boundaries between all affected parties with regards to the discharging of responsibilities.
Adapting to a new regulatory landscape and managing greater choice by establishing the post-EU-exit legal and standards framework. This includes work to update the NTSNs in line with policy direction from DfT, in parallel to the TSI changes. We are also looking at accentuating the aspects that add value domestically, removing those that do not, and creating opportunities that were not possible under the TSIs.
For the areas of strategic focus, we have been:
Gathering industry intelligence through better linkages with industry projects such as electrification projects, and better involvement in industry groups for earlier sight of any challenges. The new standards committee for data, systems and telematics has afforded us opportunities to support transport operators in sharing data more easily and exploiting it more effectively. The RSSB deviations surgeries have also made a real difference to better support the Infrastructure Standards Committee in arriving at informed decisions.
Delivering standards and providing innovative ways of supporting industry quickly, with the re-introduction of technical notes. They help us respond more flexibly to recurring queries by providing clarification and guidance. They also help promote a common understanding by providing information that is visible to all RSSB members.
Supporting implementation through providing Guidance on the Application of Railway Standards in collaboration with DfT and ORR. This is to help industry understand the different types of railway standards and how they apply on the mainline railway in Great Britain. The publication of RIS-0745-CCS Client Safety Assurance of High Integrity Software-Based Systems for Railway Applications supports the activities to be undertaken in the development, installation, and maintenance phases of the process, which will address a RAIB recommendation.
For information about the Rail Standards Strategy visit our website.
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