Avanti West Coast has launched a world‑first digital tool designed to dramatically improve train service reliability during unplanned disruption. Developed in partnership with the Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS), the new system allows operational teams to generate an optimised timetable at the click of a button whenever issues such as speed restrictions, severe weather or line closures occur.
The pioneering software uses advanced data modelling and simulation to recommend the most effective adjustments to the day’s timetable—helping keep trains running and reducing customer impact. Operational staff simply input the factors affecting service delivery and receive instant, fully optimised plans that can be implemented immediately.
According to Avanti West Coast, the technology enhances decision‑making and will help reduce both delays and cancellations. A key benefit is improved information flow, enabling customer updates to be issued far more quickly during disruption.
Each disruption scenario entered into the platform is stored and can be reused for similar events in future. This means the operator is steadily building a library of “off‑the‑shelf” plans to respond faster to unplanned events.
The year‑long trial will focus on Anglo‑Scot and North Wales routes, areas frequently affected by extreme weather conditions. Avanti will also explore opportunities to integrate the tool more widely across its operations, including train crew availability and fleet management when the standard timetable cannot be delivered.
The partnership with CFMS aligns with Avanti’s broader commitment to deploying technological innovation to improve service quality. CFMS developed the tool with support from the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) First of a Kind (FOAK) programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Innovate UK. The project has already been shortlisted for The Engineer magazine’s Collaborate to Innovate (C2I) Awards.
Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, said:
“Whilst timetable optimisation isn’t a new concept, I’m proud Avanti West Coast is leading the transport industry with this innovative technology that can help us to deliver a better service for customers when things don’t go as planned.
“Innovation can play a key role in shaping the future of the West Coast, as well as the wider rail industry. By working with the Centre for Modelling and Simulation on this ground‑breaking tool, we have the means to make a massive difference in how the rail industry responds to unplanned disruption and keeps customers moving.”
Sam Paice, CEO at CFMS, added:
“This is a major step forward for technology adoption across industries, helping to keep the railways and the UK moving.”
Image credit: Avanti West Coast
