Friday Roundup

Hi all. Another month goes by, and a lot has been going on. I have been busy working on some new tenders and planning for our future projects, which are due to start in the coming weeks. I will let you know more about those as they happen.

This week, I also had the pleasure of welcoming representatives from the OTM ETCS Training Working Group - Drivers (TWG-D) for an assurance workshop (Level 0) to validate the analysis (RBTNA and design report) for the OTM-specific ETCS Driver training materials we are developing.

RPD Training Centre update

Last week marked the conclusion of Cohort 12, who completed their standard rules module. They are now paired with their mentors to apply their newly acquired knowledge through initial practical experiences in their companies. They will return to us in a few weeks for their advanced rules topics. However, as one course wraps up, another begins! Cohort 13 has just enrolled in the apprenticeship program and is embarking on its first module, gaining valuable insights before arriving at our training centre in a few weeks.

In the meantime, our team has diligently updated training materials and reviewed the RBTNA to ensure the upcoming December 2024 rule book updates are incorporated. The subsequent training resources are refreshed and aligned to RSP1 Principles.

RSSB standards

Last week, the RSSB released phase two of research project T1319, focusing on route knowledge requirements for drivers using ETCS. The report recommends standardising these requirements, providing guidance for specific ETCS schemes, emphasising consistency, supporting driver training, and suggesting further research on Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and signage. The findings will be incorporated into RIS-3702-TOM for broader application.

We have recently seen further standards produced by the RSSB that support Operators in their legal obligations. For example:

The Rulebook Modules,

Several modules have been updated and will go live in December 2024. in summary, these include

1. TW1 Preparation and movement of trains (GSM-R): Handbooks HB1, HB6 and HB7, relating to walking on or near the line
2. Operation of Route proving trains: RIS- 3771, HB1, HB8, TS1 and TW1
3. Speed restrictions: SP, TW7, RIS 0733, RIS-0734, RIS-0735, RS521
4. Use of the warning horn: OTM, SS2, TW1, TW5, TW7 and TW8

Rolling stock

GMGN2694 - Rolling stock subsystems and electromagnetic compatibility with CSS subsystems

Control, Command and Signalling

RIS 0733 - lineside Operational Signs

RiS 0734 - Signing of permissible speeds

rIS 0735 - SIgning of Temporary and Emergency Speed restrictions

Traffic Operations and Management

RIS 3771 Operation of Route and Line Proving Trains

TN3300 is a technical note issued that clarifies D&A testing for safety-critical workers and highlights the legal obligations surrounding these.

Why has this technical note been issued?

"THE RSSB Recognises there is a lack of consistency and confusion within the industry on the processes for D&A testing; this technical note aims to provide a greater understanding of testing by providing the rationale for the requirements and the importance of undertaking these tests."

Safety spotlight

As reported last week, a severe rail incident occurred on the Cambrian Line in Telerddig, Powys, Wales, on 21st October 2024, involving a head-on collision between two Transport for Wales trains. Tragically, this incident resulted in one fatality and several serious injuries. Preliminary findings from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) suggest that low rail adhesion and leaves on the track may have significantly hindered the trains' ability to stop. This incident occurred three years after a similar collision in Salisbury on 31st October 2021, where low rail adhesion was also a contributing factor.

As many rail operators know, the period from October to December (leaf fall season) is particularly prone to issues with low rail adhesion. Please click here for more information on low rail adhesion and the measures Network Rail is implementing to address this issue.

My thoughts are with all of those involved.

Budget 2024

This week's hot topic was the presentation of the 2024 UK budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, which includes several key measures that will affect the railway sector:

High-Speed 2 (HS2) Extension to Euston: The government has dedicated funding to initiate tunnelling work that will extend HS2 from Old Oak Common to Euston station in central London. This marks a reversal of earlier plans to end the line at Old Oak Common and is intended to encourage private investment in the Euston area. However, I question why the plans haven't been expanded further to connect with HS1 at St Pancras for a through train to the continent.

Transpennine Route Upgrade: The budget sets aside funding for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which aims to enhance rail connectivity among major cities in the north and boost reliability and capacity across the region.

East West Rail: The budget reaffirms the government's commitment to the East West Rail project, which intends to link Oxford and Cambridge through Bicester, Milton Keynes, and Bedford. Funding has been allocated to expedite the upcoming phases of this project, with a public consultation planned for November 2024 to gather feedback on the proposed developments.

Electrification: Lastly, the budget outlines plans to electrify portions of the rail network, with trains using hybrid battery technology to minimise environmental impact.