Track Records: See how our work delivers real results

We’re helping industry reduce excessive costs from maintenance and operations through our tools and services.

Here are some Track Records that explore our progress in this space:

• Clearer signals for safer railways: revised standard optimises railway signalling
• Clearer track standards: improve efficiency in track design, construction and maintenance
• Keeping trains moving and in service during GSM-R system failures
• New speed signs could save £41m over five years
• Revised on-track plant standard improves safety, saves industry £70K
• Rolling out battery-powered vehicles in a robust and strategic way
• Solar reflective materials on trains to cool down carriages

We support industry to deliver healthy and safe services that satisfy customers.

Here are some Track Records that explore our progress in this space:

• Making sure signals and lineside signs are clear and visible
• Overrun Risk Evaluation and Assessment
• Research project explores the benefits of different sand types to improve adhesion
• A New Rail Industry Standard for Level Crossing Systems (RIS-0793-CCS)
• New guidance note on determining aerodynamic rolling moment coefficient enhances operational safety
• A low adhesion test and measurement protocol for field testing

Strong operational performance needs good employee health as well as effective data sharing when it comes to failures, faults, and defects.

Here are some Track Records that explore our progress in this space:

• Systems assurance approaches fit for the digital railway of the 21st century
• Improved Track Circuit Assistor - Risk Advisor Tool to reduce disruptions and fitment cost
• Improved axle bearings and wheelset maintenance will mean more reliable stock
• Managing traction power supply and demand in real-time for flexibility, resilience, and cost reduction
• Improving medical fitness standards for the rail industry

We continue to explore how industry can benefit from new technologies, like AI, and what’s needed to implement them effectively.

Here are some Track Records that explore our progress in this space:

• Asset Integrity: what challenges are on the horizon?
• Exploring loading limits to simplify track design and lower capital costs
• How to test and adopt new technology for GB Rail
• Improved monitoring and evaluation of safety-critical comms with AI
• Using an app to report concerns about health, safety, and wellbeing

To help the freight sector meet its growth target, we’re focusing on improving operational performance and reducing complexity.

Here are some Track Records that explore our progress in this space:

• Aerodynamic risk: is it safe for freight trains to travel above 75mph?
• Bespoke freight model confirms viability of low-carbon locomotives
• Dynamic response analysis of axle bearings gives safety and cost benefits
• Freight coupler research more freight can go by rail
• Safe and economic freight train operation, including carrying dangerous goods

Using the Sustainable Rail Blueprint, we’re building on rail’s reputation as the best sustainable transport mode.

Here are some Track Records that explore our progress in this space:

• Laying out actionable steps towards net zero and their value for money
• Making rail careers more attractive to disadvantaged young people
• Social housing and the railway: increasing our industry’s value to society
• New e-learning course steers industry towards more sustainable rail