Reducing disruptions and fitment costs with a better tool for track circuit risks
The TCA-RAT is a tool to help assess the risk of operating some classes of diesel multiple units (DMUs), but was last updated in 2016. Since then, many new passenger fleets have been introduced to the GB mainline. This includes non-diesel independently powered multiple units (IPMUs) to which the TCA-RAT did not apply.
However, as result of the new fleets and IPMUs, the TCA-RAT increasingly became out-of-date. It was no longer able to inform decisions on whether to allow new fleets with a failed TCA to remain in-service.
The RSSB project team helped by:
- Updating the TCA-RAT to include all post-2016 in-service passenger fleets
- Improving the usability of the TCA-RAT and providing updated TCA-RAT guidance
- Providing up-to-date maps of active Track Circuit Actuator Interference Detectors (TCAIDs)
- Informing changes to the industry standard RIS-2777-RST
- Identifying potential further improvements.
The project involved extensive engagement with:
- Network Rail
- Train manufacturers
- Rolling stock owners
- Passenger train operators.
This ensured that views from across the industry were included in the upgrade to TCA-RAT.
The updated TCA-RAT and supporting documentation will help inform decisions on defective on-train equipment procedures for a wider variety of passenger fleets. The update reflects a step change with the inclusion of non-diesel IPMUs. Use of the tool is expected to reduce the need for vehicles to be taken out of service. This will improve service reliability.
The updated TCA-RAT will also help enable better decision making on whether to fit TCAs to new passenger fleets. This is expected to result in cost savings where TCAs are not required.
This project will enable £3.085m in benefits over 5 years from reduced disruption and fitment costs.