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Digital TMS to be trialled on routes between Paddington and Bristol

A new traffic management system (TMS) that could reduce reactionary delays by up to 15% is to be trialled between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway.

Called ‘Luminate’, the innovative system uses computer algorithms to take into account different types of trains running across the network to forecast their onward journey and highlight any potential conflict or delay.

When it detects a possible disruption, the system then enables real-time replanning to happen quickly, allowing services to be adjusted and put back on track as soon as possible, which minimises delays.

A contract has been signed between Network Rail and British signalling company Resonate to deliver the system. The project to deploy the system has already commenced, and once finished in June 2018 – a trial will then run on the route for a year until 2019.

“Thousands of passengers will benefit from the introduction of this cutting-edge technology that could reduce train delays by up to 15% on the main lines out of London Paddington,” said David Waboso, group managing director for Digital Railway.

“We have also revolutionised the way we work with suppliers in the last year so that together, we can deliver real improvements to the railway and show measurable passenger benefits.”

The trial will also be done with a collaborative approach as the developers of the system will work with Digital Railway to share their expertise in the software to maximise its positive impact on the railway.

“We’re not interested in paying a fortune for a product and then when challenges come our way, as they inevitably do, having none of the product expertise in the organisation to deal with them,” Waboso stated.

Anna Ince, chief executive officer at Resonate, said that Digital Railway’s enlightened and open collaborative approach to early contractor involvement was the catalyst for the company’s proposal. 

“Understanding the outcomes required, as well as the business case, enabled us to make a groundbreaking commercial offer,” she added.

Mark Langman, route managing director at Network Rail welcomed the trial on his route. He added that the trial marked an exciting time for the railway as it moved towards a digital railway and a fleet of new modern trains.  

“On a crowded network one issue can cause several delays so any opportunity to improve train performance for passengers and freight and deliver real measurable passenger benefits is welcome,” he commented.

“Being a devolved route organisation has enabled us to move faster and get this trial up and running quickly in a new, innovative way.”

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