RSSB launches new tool to manage rail freight wagon wheelset condition

Featured story20 November 2024

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has announced a new AI powered tool to help rail freight operators identify and manage wheelset issues before they cause costly damage to the network and disruption to other train services.

Around 100 freight trains are removed from service each year for urgent wagon maintenance, required to reduce the risk of derailment and serious damage to railway infrastructure. Poor condition wheelsets contribute to increased track wear and costs associated with their repair. Wheelsets in good condition improve safety and performance while reducing costs for operators and the infrastructure manager.

RSSB has developed a new Wheelset Intervention Support Tool using predictive AI analytics on data from wheel impact load detectors and other sources to monitor degradation of wheelsets.

Key benefits of the Wheelset Intervention Support Tool include:

Improved operational efficiency: By optimising maintenance schedules, freight operators can reduce downtime and improve service reliability.
Cost savings: Proactive maintenance means the whole life cost of wheelsets is reduced as well as helping avoid costly emergency repairs.
Enhanced safety: Early detection of potential wheelset failures prevents damage to the infrastructure and any potential knock-on safety issues.

RSSB has launched a pilot of the Wheelset Intervention Support Tool with some rail freight operators to gather feedback and refine its capabilities, ahead of a full release next year.