Current and planned work
Real-time driver information to improve performance
Industry is working together for greater insight into asset defects
Helping industry exploit the latest satellite positioning technology
A strategy and roadmap for the Future Railway Mobile Communication System
Sending real-time timetable information and advisory speeds into drivers’ cabs.
The Driver Advisory Systems Board – a subgroup of VTC&C SIC – is monitoring and supporting a connected driver advisory speed system (C-DAS) trial on Great Western Railway.
The trial aims to implement C-DAS on two train fleets with full connectivity to the Luminate Traffic Management System, allowing real-time timetable updates to be sent to connected trains. Based on this timetable and train capability information, the C-DAS calculates an advisory speed profile for display to the driver. If followed, the advisory speed allows the train to meet the timetable. It will also support improved performance and reduce energy usage.
The trial will be completed in 2025. A report will outline performance, energy saving, and other benefits identified during the trial.
The Driver Advisory Systems Board is also involved in investigating the potential of C-DAS to support better management of over-speeding risk and real time management of traction power capacity.
Contact Darren Jowett, Chair of the Driver Advisory Systems Board, for more information:
Darren.Jowett@networkrail.co.uk
A national management system will collect and analyse data on defects affecting command, control and signalling equipment.
The National Command, Control and Signalling (CSS) Defect Recording, Analysis and Corrective Action System (DRACAS) will offer a way to identify underlying issues in rail CCS systems, reducing faults and failures. DRACAS is a management system equipped with formalised processes for collecting, sharing, and analysing CCS data. It will enable all parts of GB rail to collaborate, ultimately improving safety and reducing costs.
DRACAS systems are used in other safety-critical industries like aviation. They are already used in some parts of the GB rail industry.
The National DRACAS Group, a subgroup of V/TC&CSIC, leads the design, development, and implementation of the CCS DRACAS. This initiative is driven by strong industry collaboration.
The wider V/TC&C SIC is supporting the group by sharing lessons learnt from the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) integration lab. The lab shares data between commercial organisations to test, manage, and improve system reliability.
Find out more about the National DRACAS project.
You are welcome to contribute your expertise by joining the National DRACAS Group. Contact Andrew Graham, Lead Control Command and Signalling Engineer, RSSB:
Andrew.Graham@rssb.co.uk
Updated guidance on procuring, installing, and using on-board locators.
Satellite positioning equipment has advanced, and the number of potential applications in rail has grown. But industry has yet to take full advantage of these advances.
Guidance Standard GEGN8578 sets out good practice for specifying, selecting, implementing, and installing satellite positioning technology-based equipment on trains. The five-year review of the standard is an opportunity to incorporate technological developments, safety-critical applications, and on-board location interfaces.
The Future Communications and Positioning Systems Advisory Group (FC&PS AG) is the client group for the research project that will support and inform the technological refresh of GEGN8578. The work will include revisions to the catalogue of location-dependent applications and the GPS buyer’s guide. It will also expand upon solutions, vulnerabilities, resilience, procurement, navigation system constellations, and upgrades to current on-board locators.
Keep up to date with the research project in the RSSB Research Catalogue (T1370).
There are opportunities to get involved in the project steering group or via correspondence. Contact Scarlett Hayward Mitchell, Research Support Analyst, RSSB:
Scarlett.HaywardMitchell@rssb.co.uk
Helping industry plan the migration to FRMCS.
GSM-R is the train radio system that provides operational communications between drivers and signallers. However, GSM-R is based on 2G technology, which is reaching the end of its lifecycle and will soon be obsolete.
The replacement will be a telecommunication system called Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), which is based on 5G technology. It will permit new applications that optimise train operations and maintenance as well as improve services to passengers. The design of FRMCS started in 2015 under the leadership of International Union of Railways. Its specification and testing continue under EU-funded research.
Building on this work, RSSB is facilitating the development of a strategy and roadmap for transitioning GB rail to FRMCS. FRMCS & GSM-R Guidance Subgroup (FGG SG) is steering this research to ensure it complements other national and international FRMCS work.
The migration to FRMCS requires substantial capital investment in infrastructure upgrades, technology development, training, and testing. It will need a cross-industry drive to be successful and deliver value for money. The research will identify GB-specific challenges, opportunities, and key migration milestones and options, laying the groundwork for a more detailed roadmap.
Keep up to date with the research project in the RSSB Research Catalogue (T1376).
For more information or to discuss joining the project steering group, contact Adonis Meha, Research Support Analyst, RSSB:
Adonis.Meha@rssb.co.uk
