Statement from the V/TC&C Chair
During financial year 2024-25, V/TC&C continued to drive change in the areas of command, control, and signalling, bringing benefits to the whole industry. In a system as complex as the railway, innovation and positive change are delivered through collaboration.
I am delighted that two pieces of work completed last year culminated in new and revised standards, covering unique train identifiers and electromagnetic compatibility. The projects we supported provided the evidence base for change, and collaboration with standards committees ensured that this knowledge was put into use. Ultimately, the updated standards will improve safety and efficiency, benefitting customers and operators.
Our work on updating the Track Circuit Actuator Risk Adviser Tool also involved collaboration – in this case with other system interface committees that cover rolling stock operations and engineering. Cross-industry cooperation was essential to the outcome, an updated tool that reflects the capabilities of modern fleets.
A major part of V/TC&C’s role is to look to the future. What new solutions are needed? And, as new systems are ready for roll out, how can we get the most from them, minimising the cost and risk of migration? A case in point is the work initiated this year to build a roadmap for the deployment of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) on the GB network.
Do get in touch with other challenges and opportunities you think the committee could help with. Offers to contribute your experience and expertise are also very welcome.
Clive Burrows, Group Engineering Director, FirstGroup and Chair of V/TC&C SIC
