Improving GSM-R radio use and rail staff confidence
A review of the previous issue of the RS523 handbook identified that some of the content did not meet the format of an RSSB handbook. It was found to contain rules where there should only be information. Problems such as this needed to be removed.
Further comments from industry feedback requested that there be more information with better accuracy, as well as new content on ‘silent radio’, which is a GSM-R fault that was identified after the first publication of RS523.
The project was carried out in two stages:
- Looking at the rules in RS523 and transferring those to the relevant module in the Rule Book, module TW1.
- Reviewing the use of language in RS523 and feedback from industry.
The feedback from stage 2 was considered along with other industry materials to ensure RS523 was in alignment.
Some key changes included:
- restructuring the content to improve its flow, accuracy, and clarity of information
- enhancing some detail, such as when the driver makes an emergency call
- adding images of the equipment.
We collaborated with representatives from train operating companies and Network Rail to ensure the document meets the needs of users.
The revised handbook more accurately reflects how the GSM-R system operates and can be used.
It simplifies call types to reduce confusion and encourage users to think about the most appropriate call type for a specific situation. For example, users benefit from learning to initiate an urgent call (rather than a general emergency call) in an emergency that affects only one train.
RS523 issue 2 has been written to help standardise use and improve knowledge of the processes and understanding of the capabilities of the GSM-R.
The benefits look to improve end users’ confidence, performance, and understanding.