Scope

The scope of the V/TE SIC is defined in its remit and includes:

  • Developing a strategic view of the long-term development path for the electrified rail networks
  • Initiating projects to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the electrified networks and associated rolling stock
  • Contributing towards the implementation and development of the energy aspects of the Rail Technical Strategy and the work programme of the Technical Strategy Leadership Group (TSLG)
  • Considering safety systems and processes relating to work in proximity to electrical equipment
  • Considering vehicle-mounted collection devices, return circuit, and vehicle earthing and its interaction with the electrification system.

The SIC is redeveloping its programme of work. This will be made available once it is approved by the SIC. This programme covers completed and ongoing activities that V/TE SIC considers will assist the railway industry to manage all aspects of identified system interfaces in the most cost-effective and efficient way, including:

  • A review of the economics of the third-rail DC system
  • The third-rail 750V DC power supply has been strengthened progressively but it is still a constraint on operations. The V/TE SIC supports a strategy of moving to the more efficient AC system of electrification
  • On-board energy metering for electric traction
  • Steady progress has been made to enable energy billing to be based on actual energy consumption
  • Work to inform the Rail Technical Strategy
  • Reduction in the cost of current electrification and the costs of energy storage, along with a view of what could be delivered by a future traffic management and control system
  • A project to explore the nature, magnitude, availability and development timescales for future energy sources, and the long-term implications for the sustainability of the rail transport system
  • Establishing a business case to do more in-service splitting and joining of trains to more closely match capacity needs
  • A project to evaluate the energy impacts as part of operating timetable development work and how this reflects on the speed profile of trains. This will link to the driver advisory speed work of the V/TC&C SIC.

Membership

The V/TE SIC has members representing these industry stakeholders:

  • passenger train operators
  • rolling stock owners and leasing companies
  • freight and other non-passenger train operators
  • infrastructure managers and owners
  • suppliers and rolling stock manufacturers
  • RSSB
  • Department for Transport (observer)
  • Office of Rail and Road (observer).

Chair: Richard Stainton, Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
RSSB main representative: Mike Tatton