john cooper

📌 ETCS Signaling Tests on Intercity Rails in UK 🏁 The first intercity #ETCS L2 signaling tests were conducted by operator Great Northern on the UK’s East Coast Main Line. 🔑 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 - The tests were conducted on the route between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin by Great Northern operator as part of Govia #Thameslink Railway (GTR). - This initiative is the initial phase of an ongoing programme that is set to continue until mid-2025, utilizing the European Train Control System (ETCS). - The tests are part of the broader £1.4 #billion East Coast Digital Programme (#ECDP) which aims to equip the East Coast Main Line with advanced signalling solutions. Introduction of ETCS system is a step towards increasing interoperability, safety and efficiency of the UK's railway system. Source: railway-technology.com #DigitalRail #UKRail #ERTMS #GTR #SiemensMobility _ _ _ 👍 Like if you find value, re-post ♻️, and follow for more interesting tech, and innovation insights.

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Three bidders chase £1.4bn Midlands rail hub alliance Three consortia are bidding for a major alliance deal to upgrade a series of #rail lines and stations around #Birmingham and nearby towns and cities. Acting as client, Network Rail is seeking a main alliance partner to deliver over £1bn of non-signalling and around £350m of signalling works. The vast alliance has attracted a strong line-up of bidders with #BalfourBeatty forming a joint venture with #Skanska. #Bam has teamed up with Amey to form the other bidding JV while #LaingORourke, #Volker and #Atkins make up the third bid consortium. A fourth team that was also chasing the alliance deal involved #Dragados / #Babcock / #Keltbray / #Aecom but is believed to have dropped out of the running. The Midlands Rail Hub programme will involve a major programme of works across the West, Central and East Midlands. To deliver the programme Network Rail aims to create an Alliance set to run for eight years, first concentrating on works around Birmingham Moor Street. The scope of works is currently divided into eight interventions across the three sections: The most advanced in development is the West & Central Midlands programmes at Snow Hill, King’s Norton to Barnt Green and Birmingham Bordesley to Moor Street Works within scope include the design and build of: new platforms and sidings; up to two new chords into Birmingham Moor Street; widening of existing viaduct; power supply upgrades; new freight loops; new overhead line equipment and various signalling works including the re-modelling of existing layouts. The other two programmes have still to be finalised and are subject to funding decisions and design development: West & Central interventions at Worcester to Hereford and Stoke Works Junction East Midlands interventions at Water Orton and Nuneaton to Wigston. The programme of works will be delivered under a NEC4-style Alliance Contract. https://lnkd.in/eZVRue42

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📌 Electrification of Track at Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre 🛤️ #Porterbrook, a British rolling stock company, has announced a significant update to electrify the 3.5-kilometre track at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre. After completion, the track will support #testing including #ETCS in-cab signaling. 💰 Investment The project is a part of over £75m invested in the centre since 2021. 🚄 Capabilities The electrified track will accommodate #testing at speeds up to 50mph and support various forms of traction like hydrogen, battery, and diesel. 🛠️Tech Integration It includes adoption of the European Train Control System (ETCS) alongside other traction forms like #hydrogen, #battery, and #diesel. 🗓️ Completion Scheduled by the end of 2025. According to Mary Grant, CEO of Porterbrook "The track upgrades mean that we can deliver the best level of service with our manufacturing partners to provide a full turnkey solution for new rolling stock entering service.” Source: railway-news.com #RailInnovation #UKTransport #SustainableRail #Electrification #InfrastructureDevelopment _ _ _ 👍 Like if you find value, re-post ♻️, and follow for more interesting tech, and innovation insights.

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Conventional to Digital Signalling: Understanding the ETCS Equivalents On my first day in the rail industry, I was handed a book titled "Know Your Signals"—a guide that outlined all the signal aspects and their meanings in conventional rail systems. It was my introduction to signal aspects and what they mean. But as I transitioned from conventional signalling to digital ETCS, I couldn’t help but wonder: what are the ETCS equivalents of these familiar NSW signalling aspects? However, ETCS doesn’t just replicate the visuals of conventional signals; it adds more complexity by integrating real-time data such as train speed, braking curves, and route conditions. For example: STOP (Red over Red) is mirrored by the ETCS "Full Service Brake" instruction, often determined through multiple inputs beyond just track occupancy. Since there’s no longer a physical signal to observe, the system communicates a Target Speed of 0 km/h, effectively instructing the driver to stop. CAUTION (Green over Red) transitions into a controlled deceleration curve under specific supervision modes in ETCS. The caution signal is replaced by a system that adjusts the permitted speed based on real-time conditions, ensuring the train slows down well before any restrictions. MEDIUM (Green over Yellow) becomes a managed reduction in speed, dynamically adjusted by ETCS's continuous monitoring The DMI dynamically provides the driver with a progressive speed reduction, displayed in-cab, eliminating the need for fixed medium signals. PRELIMINARY MEDIUM (Green over Pulsating Medium) takes a more advanced role, linking with specific braking and speed control instructions. The ETCS system offers long-range visibility into upcoming speed restrictions, allowing for a smooth, controlled deceleration. CLEAR (Green over Green) In ETCS, this translates to an unrestricted Movement Authority (MA), meaning the driver can proceed at full speed until further instructions.   The key difference lies in how ETCS not only interprets track conditions but also responds to a wide range of data points that improve decision-making on a much more granular level. It’s this ability to integrate various inputs that sets ETCS apart from traditional signalling. ETCS responds to more than just visual signals—it interprets complex data to make informed decisions for the train’s journey. What has been your experience transitioning from conventional to digital signalling? #ETCS #RailSignalling #DigitalRail #SignalEngineer #RailSafety #RailInnovation #ProjectManagement #RailIndustry

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As a passionate Railway Power Systems Engineer, if I say so myself 😅. Interesting article, particularly on the point of making the rolling stock suitable for the asset as opposed to the asset being primarily suitable for the rolling stock. Reducing electrical clearances will definitely result in less Civil works cost in urban areas and tunnels. Not sure if the statement about battery electric trains not being suitable for freight is correct. Topography and track alignment will play a critical role in assessing this. I don't understand why countries don't have railway transport programs and technology adaptation master plans that are regularly reviewed to ensure they are harmonized with the needs and trends of the time. The electricity utility industry is good at making 10 to 20 year plans which helps in keeping the industry stable. Cross industry learning could be beneficial. https://buff.ly/489Ye7a

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RSSB's monthly magazine for rail leaders Horizon issue 15 out now! How does the synergy between safety, standards, research, and sustainability help rail stay ahead of the curve? Johnny Schute explains why combining these four integral elements helps rail companies remain competitive in an ever-evolving industry. #TeamRSSB

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This article is a great case study on RIA's campaigning work on behalf of rail suppliers. In this case rolling stock and electrification suppliers. By way of an update to the article, I am pleased to say that we are making good progress on the one of the key recommendations of our most recent report 👇 "to empower a cross industry group to further develop and test the RIA strategy and confirm the minimum additional electrification to deliver net zero for passengers and freight by 2050." This article is a great case study on RIA's campaigning work on behalf of rail suppliers. In this case rolling stock and electrification suppliers. By way of an update to the article, I am pleased to say that we are making good progress on the one of the key recommendations of our most recent report 👇 "to empower a cross industry group to further develop and test the RIA strategy and confirm the minimum additional electrification to deliver net zero for passengers and freight by 2050." https://lnkd.in/e2P8ie5c …see more A lower cost, higher performing net zero railway riagb.org.uk

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Check out this article about our plans for remote monitoring at Protech......

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#TeamRSSB It’s not easy being green. So, Thom Rawson, @RSSB_rail’s Sustainable Rail Principal, joined us on our podcast this month to talk about how we’re collaborating with industry to embed the Sustainable Rail Blueprint. Listen here: https://bit.ly/3xYIJkB

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🚆Rail Returns to Public Ownership🚆 The UK government introduces a bill to bring rail services back under public control, improving efficiency and service quality. Reported by the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom, this is the biggest transport reform in decades. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ewZBFF5h 👉 Follow us here Ground Transport Group

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For the rail industry, the travelling public and freight, rail reform is one of the top priorities a new government. Read the Railway Industry Association recommendations to the next government.

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03 July 2024 Press Release BRTA is concerned that the track-record of previous governments over decades has left the existing rail network depleted, rationalised and run-down and poured £billions into new roads and upgrading roads (A27/A24) which attracts increasing volumes of traffic, makes for more rat-runs across country to join other queues, increasing pressure on land use allocation for endless parking spaces, when we need environmentally and socially to make using public transport (especially more rail journeys) more amenable, affordable and accessible. Key Rail Projects we want support for: 1.     Guildford-Cranleigh-Horsham, the Arundel Curve and a Phase 2 look at the direct line to Shoreham from Horsham with linking bridges and curves included in modern designs. 2.     Polegate-Stone Cross direct line reinstatement/realigned new build to shave 20 minutes end-to-end Brighton-Ashford transits by trains giving more capacity for Eastbourne specific services and challenging the appeal of endless road use. 3.     A new curve from the Tonbridge line towards Gatwick which could link to a host of existing services more than having to change at Redhill all the time. 4.     A study to look at linking Tonbridge with the Guildford Line direct at Redhill and 5.     Electrification of the North Downs Line to enable semi-fast Thameslink services into Guildford and possible Reading as they do likewise to access Horsham. BRTA believes these projects need a switch from £27 billion new roads fund to pep up the Rail Reopening Fund which was pitted at a mere £500 million for all Great Britain, which is, given a need to cut emissions and congestion, a meagre and unequal recognition of what rail can offer. 6.     A rail link corridor from Tonbridge-Brighton via Eridge, Uckfield and the Lewes area. End of Press Release Further Comment: Richard Pill, BRTA CEO 07752 096392 e. [email protected] #rail #press #media #railways #transport #networkrail #dft #environment #landuse #traffic #management #shoreham #horsham #guildford #brighton #ashford

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Will Chancellor Rt Hon Rachel Reeves act on the Railway Industry Association's plea to increase investment in the UK's railway network? Darren Caplan has called upon the Chancellor to provide a pipeline of investment for railway infrastructure projects, in order to boost economic growth📈 In his letter, he describes this pipeline as resulting in more jobs and lower costs, as well as boosting social value for communities across the UK. He also asks for a decision to be made on whether tunnelling between Euston and Old Oak Common will be completed on HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd, in order to provide the necessary infrastructure for future North/South connectivity. Do you think that the Chancellor will address the RIA's requests in the governments budget announcement? #rail #railindustry #budget #budgetannouncement #hs2 https://lnkd.in/ewriEjBB

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An interesting article on how the #rollingstock sector is trying to increase efficiencies and get greater value from existing or new assets has been published on railbusinessdaily.com. It describes how RSSB and the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) have been working together to understand how a good contractual structure and a collaborative approach to maintenance and the introduction of innovative technologies can improve visibility of whole-life costs and lead to cost reductions. As the #railindustry becomes better able to use and share the huge amount of data it now generates, the article estimates that the National CCS DRACAS (Defect Recording, Analysis, and Corrective Action System) could help industry save £231 million over 10 years by being able to identify the underlying cause of incidents far earlier. It's worth a read! Simon Eddy, Richard Barrow, Andrew Graham, Sally Griffiths, Tom Wild, Richard Kidman, Euan R., James Wilson, Jamie Kerr, Nick Wright, Nicola Pegg, Sohail Ashraf, Stuart Husk

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📌 Network Rail's Aim in Reducing Travel Times ⏱️ Network #Rail and Transport for Wales have collaborated to reduce journey times between multiple #UK's cities. 🔍 Important Insights - Removal of dozens historical speed restrictions - Speed enhancements for #Class 67 locomotives hauling Mark 4 carriages resulting in reduction of 38 out of 40 restrictions on the #Marches Line - Shortened journeys by approximately 10 minutes between Cardiff and Manchester - The improvements will align all trains to run at the line's top speed for the first time - Passengers are already enjoying 10-minute #shorter journeys between Cardiff and Manchester - Planned improvements set to reflect in the December 2024 timetable change - Future potential for similar enhancements across new routes Reducing travel time will enhance connectivity and improve the utilization of railway network track capacity. Source: Rail UK #RailwayInnovation #NetworkRail #UKRail _ _ _ 👍 Like if you find value, re-post ♻️, and follow for more interesting tech, and innovation insights.

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The London branch of the Safety and Reliability Society are hosting a talk this evening on the Santiago rail crash. Learning from and remembering the victims and survivors of rail accidents is a powerful way to improve how we work today. So why not come and hear about the accident, the court case, and what caused the accident. More detail in the link below https://lnkd.in/eZ2-g9EC

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Sometimes it's useful to step back and see the wider picture. For rail, the impact of the pandemic has been immense. This stark challenge can be seen clearly in DfT's Rail Factsheet 2023. Since 22/23, rail has made progress towards being more financially sustainable but the challenge remains for the industry to come together to deliver a better service for customers, adjust to the changing market and grow revenue. Source: DfT's Rail Factsheet 2023. TOC = Train Operating Company

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The Office of Rail and Road has published Goal-setting principles for Railway Health and Safety Additional Factors to be Considered for Unattended Passenger Train Operation This is a new Appendix to the existing guidance document Goal-setting Principles for Railway Health and Safety, which sets out ORR’s expectations of those designing railway systems, vehicles and equipment in order to comply with railway health and safety legislation. The new Appendix covers matters to be considered for fully unattended train operation (UTO) otherwise called Grade of Automation 4 (GOA4). The underlying principle is that a UTO system must achieve a level of safety at least as good as that achieved by a system with human drivers and signallers/controllers. We currently have only a small number of UTO systems operating as transit systems at airports and a small number of systems, such as the Glasgow Metro, with the capability to potentially operate in UTO mode in future. This guidance is intended to support a consistent approach to design considerations by anyone considering the introduction of a new UTO system or upgrade of an existing system to full or partial UTO operation. https://lnkd.in/e9gU_vrz

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