Key Train Requirements
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How the Key Train Requirements document is used
The document is used to:
- draw attention to experiences from historic rolling stock projects
- draw on railway research projects
- capture aspects of train design that do not necessarily meet the scope for standards and are not covered by the contractual requirement to ‘comply to all applicable standards’
- list industry research recommendations that have not yet been incorporated into standards
- highlight new developments that may need to be considered when requirements are specified and trains are designed to operate in the UK
- include recommendations from Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) reports or National Incident Reports (NIRs) to ensure that safety is enhanced at the earliest opportunity
- draw attention to the use of Rail Industry Standards (RIS) and European Standards that are not referenced in National Technical Specification Notices (NTSN) but provide good practice.
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Why the Key Train Requirements document was introduced
In 2009, the Technical Strategy Advisory Group (TSAG) remitted the Vehicle/Vehicle System Interface Committee to develop guidance on key technical requirements for new trains. These requirements represent best practice that are not adequately covered by Railway Group and Rail Industry Standards.
The first version of the document was published in January 2011, with a second version in February 2013 and a third version in September 2014. Version 4 was renamed Key Train Requirements and included an expanded coverage of operational aspects with a new annex on cyber security. It was issued by the successor of TSAG, the Technical Strategy Leadership Group.
Following industry feedback, the document received a full review and was reformatted to facilitate easier incorporation into procurement specifications. This resulted in v5 being produced and had an interim update to v5.1. Additionally, the requirements were published as Excel spreadsheets so they are easier to incorporate into tendering databases.
Version 6 included a section on seat comfort and an annex for catering equipment. Version 7, published in July 2023, includes sustainable and decarbonisation chapters and improved software and cyber security sections.
