Optimising driving policies to improve reliability and safety
There can be considerable variation in professional driving policies (PDPs) between operators, because PDPs have grown organically over several years following recent research and changes to the Rule Book.
This meant that some policies do not enable the full benefits of the technical capabilities of the train to be realised.
The objective of T1305 is to support better, optimised PDPs and define the approach for codifying existing and future policies. This would enable PDPs to inform more accurate modelling and simulation of the network, such as in the Time Signal at Red project being developed by Network Rail.
RSSB engaged with professionals with driving experience to help steer the project and selected a knowledgeable supplier.
RSSB engaged with relevant operational practitioners, including trades unions, to better understand organisational culture around driving behaviours.
The supplier developed guidance for passenger train operators, freight operators, and on-track machine operators for optimised driving policies, based on evidenced best practice and past research findings.
The supplier also codified the different elements within a PDP to enable the accurate modelling and simulation of driving behaviours.
This project identified good practice guidance that maintains safety while improving overall performance of the network.
Based on the project’s outputs it is assumed the good practice recommendation will enable a 10% reduction in delays. This equates to a cost saving to industry of £159,730 per annum (1,597,300*0.10) or £128,775 when discounted to 2010 values.
Assuming these outputs will be valid for a 20-year benefits period (until ERTMS is more widely adopted on the network) and a three-year benefits maturity duration, the overall costs savings from reduced delay costs has been calculated at £1,049,764.