Simulation systems for

training, validating and

design optimisation –

a traffic management

case study

Tim Gray

29th April 2014

Content

• Introduction

• TRE & Hitachi

• Evolution of signaller training

• High fidelity training simulators

• Signalling and operations design validation

• Next generation Traffic Management requirements

• Project and operational risk reduction

• Conclusions

2

Introduction to TRE & Hitachi

• TRE background

• Work in Scandinavia

• Hitachi acquisition

• Hitachi activity in Europe

• UK Scenario and challenges

• Application to Scandinavia

3

Evolution of signaller training (1)

4

• Use of model railways and layouts

• Training by ‘shadowing’ experienced staff

• Heavy focus on knowledge of “The Rule Book”

Evolution of signaller training (2)

5

• Mandated in UK following Ladbroke Grove

• Training, assessment, competence check

• High fidelity is important

• 100% replica, safe off-line environment

• Practice response to disruption/emergency

• c.140 TREsims now installed in NR

• > 90% of VDU signalling systems simulated

• Multi-vendor Product Acceptance granted

• Accurate model of interlocking

• Modelling and decision support….

EMROC Simulator

6

TREsim Block Diagram

7

Interlocking Simulation

Timetable Generator / Editor

Train Movement Simulator

Faulting and Scenarios

Duplicate Dispatcher Display &

Controls

Communications

Level Crossing Control

Signaller / Trainee

Workstation

Trainer / Assessor

Workstation

Trainer / Assessor Interface

8

Additional Assessor Tools

9

Stockholm Prototype system

10

Combined driving/signalling simulation

11

12

NJSK Norway Simulator

KB/Sydac Cab Simulators TRE Traffic Simulators

Validation, Design & Optimisation

In Addition to Training and Competence Management;

• Design verification – new/upgrade schemes – infrastructure layout

– signalling

– operations

• Construction programme evaluation

• Timetable testing

• Service reliability & performance analysis

• For mainline and depot infrastructure

• In fact, simulate throughout the life cycle

13

Validation Process

Business

Case

Concept

Operations

Work

Station

Evaluation /

Human

Factors

Scheme

Optioneering

Final

Design /

Data Test

Pre-

Commissioning

Training

Operational

Phase

Future

Change

14

Case Study - Traffic Management System

• NR implementing a UK national Traffic Management System

• Key benefits

• NR plan first deployment, then roll out in ROCs

• Three prototype suppliers

• TREsim used to evaluate

• Joined existing simulations

• Virtual area test bed

• 4 workstation areas/24hr timetable/c.1600 trains

15

Tranista Hitachi’s Traffic Management System

• Based on over 40 years experience in operation

• Continued development, in collaboration with users

• 100% Automatic Route Setting, with no manual route

setting interface on some Japanese systems

• Can be customised to provide the “look and feel” required

by different railway administrations

• Strong desire to implement in Europe

• Positive feedback from trials in model office

16

Tranista Model Office

17

Tranista for Network Rail

• Provide “One Version of the Truth” to all users

• Has the ability to control anything from anywhere

• Routes all trains according to the plan:

– Conflict detection and resolution

– Short-term changes to the plan

– Long-term changes to the plan

– Stock & crew allocation

• Can work with existing/legacy control systems

• Demonstrated using real data from the Leeds area

– Over 1560 trains per day (Inter-City, Commuter and Freight)

– 35 Stations

18

Tranista for Network Rail

19

Benefits (1)

• Extensively tested by NR operators, controllers and TOC staff during the evaluation period.

• Successfully performed wide range of operational scenarios.

• Worked well with the simulated railway environment

• De-risking real railway implementation

• Well-received by the evaluation teams.

– Initially some resistance to the “everything according to the plan” interface, as operators were used to setting routes, but this was soon overcome.

• Consistently delivered high levels of performance

• and enabled pro-active action to address operational problems and recover the timetable.

20

Benefits (2)

21

• Use of simulation as part of the Traffic Management

System evaluation was well received

• Enabled extensive project de-risking and stakeholder

engagement

• Can demonstrate performance aspects of the TMS

• Will be used in first deployment projects for similar

validation prior to roll out

• Then an on-going tool for operator training, competence

management, scenario modelling

• And future changes to infrastructure and operations

Summary

• Signaller/dispatcher training is a positive benefit to

performance and safety

• High fidelity simulation allows normal and extreme situations to

be modelled and trained

• Positive project and programme benefits via early modelling

• Staff and system readiness can be evaluated prior to live use

• Traffic Management Systems bring enhanced timetable

delivery and many other benefits

• Use of simulation in TMS (and other) projects is encouraged

• To yield positive reduction in project, implementation and

operational risk

• Please speak to TRE and Hitachi colleagues in the audience.

22

23

Thank you/Contact

Tim Gray MSc, BSc, CEng, MIET Sales & Marketing Director T +44 (0) 1225 860 140 E tim.gray@trerail.co.uk F +44 (0) 1225 867 698 W www.trerail.co.uk M +44 (0) 7725 203 382 A Manvers House, Kingston Road, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1AB, UK