Nigel Wordsworth’s Post

Having been involved in #RouteAvailability calculations in the past, it is fantastic to see this new calculator from the #RSSB. Understanding which trains can run on which lines is a fundamental requirement for running the railway, so standardising this methodology and dataset will both improve overall efficiency and reduce the risk of mistakes. #UKRail #NetworkRail railbusinessdaily.com https://lnkd.in/eeEmchx5

What type of evaluations can Railroad Industries Incorporated conduct? For over 40 years we have done comprehensive evaluations for small #shortline #railroads as well as entire #portfolios of railroads, #freight and passenger #operations, #transload facilities and repair shops, equipment companies and rolling #stock fleets. The impact? Providing an understanding of a company’s financial health, strategic potential, and investment attractiveness for future decision making. Visit our website to learn more on how RII can be beneficial to your upcoming projects!

ORR accepts Network Rail plan to improve performance in failing Wales & Western region The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) (ORR) has accepted Network Rail’s plan to try and improve train performance in the failing Wales & Western region. Earlier this year, ORR determined that performance in Network Rail’s Wales and Western region “has been worsening […] since 2021”. A number of these issues revolved around asset maintenance and renewal. This led to an investigation which concluded Network Rail was in breach of its licence condition leading to ORR to request an improvement plan to be submitted to the regulator. Network Rail submitted this improvement plan by the regulator’s deadline of 31 August. In a letter sent yesterday, 26 September, from ORR chief executive John Larkinson to Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines accepting an updated improvement plan. Larkinson stated that the new plan provides significant improvement on previously presented recovery plans in that it includes significant further development of Project Brunel (Network Rail’s Thames Valley recovery plan), provides a timebound plan to deliver renewal of the headspans of overhead line equipment from Paddington to Airport Junction and includes far greater detail and commitment around the operational and performance improvements that will be delivered in the long-term. He further concluded the updated plan has initiatives that correspond to all of the recommendations in ORR’s investigation report and sets out how the plan will be governed and managed. He wrote: “Crucially, it is our view that, if delivered effectively, it is likely to lead to better train service performance for passengers and freight. “Based on our assessment, we are satisfied that Network Rail has complied with the first part of the final order. Network Rail is therefore not required to pay the reasonable sum of £3M, which would have become payable if the plan had not met this requirement.” The plan includes nearly 60 individual actions, including proposals to: Improving the timetable to be more resilient Improving the forecasting of extreme weather events Investing in asset reliability and performance Investing in people, including improving performance leadership, behaviours and accountability Improved learning and insight from past and future disruption events Increased collaboration between industry bodies, including train operators The ORR now requires Network Rail to implement its new plan, which the regulator will continue to monitor through a rolling programme of six-monthly assessment points (at six, 12 and 18 months). The precise format of these updates will be agreed between Network Rail and ORR at a later date. https://lnkd.in/eRv5Bubz

The North American rail equipment fleet stayed positive in the second quarter of 2024, with both the total fleet size and the revenue-earning fleet growing. Check out the complete Umler Index: https://lnkd.in/dGb3-C3j

Discover how 360 Rail Services delivers cost-effective rail solutions by leveraging our rigorous value engineering principles at: https://hubs.ly/Q02RNGxD0 💡🛤️ #RailEngineering #ValueEngineering

We’ve noticed a trending issue in the rail sector 🤔…   Rolling stock being delivered that doesn't meet client expectations. There's a noticeable misalignment that’s regularly requiring correction action. The Rail Confidence team is determined to play a key role in minimising these experiences in future procurements. We want to start facilitating honest discussions about industry challenges. Your insights matter, and together, we can find solutions. Join the conversation below, what issues have you observed? Let's work towards making rail services safer and more reliable. 🤝 #railtrends #railindustry #railsafety #rollingstock #railsector

#TechyThursday: FRA is testing a new model for enabling railroads with very small numbers of employees to join the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS). You can read the research results that describes how the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) serves as a third party to analyze events, conducting event analysis, and sharing the results in a newsletter to all the participating railroads. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gy_g_VHy 

Did you see RS Clare in the July issue of Rail Professional? 🚆🛤 The article explores how advanced Friction Management is revolutionising rail infrastructure. With tightening budgets, companies are challenged to do more with less... The answer? Integrating high-performance friction management, advanced delivery systems, and big data to significantly cut maintenance costs. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eVsnGR-N #railinnovation #rail #raillubricants #railinfrastructure #frictionmanagement Nigel Attwood Frans Pienaar Richie Williams John Nisbet

Thanks RAIL Magazine for publishing this data but seems very bizarre to look back over what appears to me to be a random and unusual period of time? With the pandemic and sector-wide industrial action I would assume the figures are drastically different today? Can you publish them year by year in that period and also do 2023 please? Be interesting to see the changes and who has moved up and down. A number of senior exec changes in some of these TOCs so again another factor in play? See you all soon.

Imagine a future where maintenance tasks don't just prevent downtime, but predict it. As the rail industry evolves, maintenance strategies must evolve with it. Download our Smart Maintenance whitepaper and learn how we're using data and technology to keep rail operations efficient. ▶️https://ow.ly/CrSu50RnMen #maintenance #innovation