A new pilot project has been launched by Network Rail integrating traffic management systems with Great Western Railway’s (GWR) crew and stock resource management system.
The £4m project showcases the work the rail industry is putting in to put passengers and freight users first.
The project integrates Worldline’s crew and stock software ‘Integrale’ with the railway traffic management system ‘Luminate’ which has been developed by Resonate.
Funding has been provided by Network Rail and the Department for Transport’s (DfT) National Productivity Investment Fund.
The pilot project will run on Network Rail’s Western route between Paddington and Bristol and Reading and Oxford.
Despite this the benefits of the new project will be felt across GWR’s network.
GWR and Network Rail colleagues will be able to have the same view of the train plan and the allocation of rolling stock and crew in one system.
These upgrades included in the new project will make it easier to identify resource conflicts and service shortfalls.
Mike Gallop, Network Rail Western Route and Strategic Operations Director spoke on the importance of the innovative pilot project.
Mr Gallop said: “Our priority is to welcome passengers back to the railway, and to do this we need to provide a reliable service.
“I’m delighted that we’re showing industry leadership to deliver this innovative and ground-breaking project which will help deliver on this priority.
“This project is an example of the sort of cross-industry developments that I would like to see more of.
“It has been delivered quickly, building on existing technology, and used the expertise and skills of all the project partners.”
Barry Milsom, GWR Performance Director also commented on what the project can do for the rail industry.
Mr Milsom said: “We've been really impressed by the pilot in the early stages of the roll-out.
“For the first time we have a single standardised system between the train operator and Network Rail that helps us identify all train performance risks in one place.
“Ultimately, we hope this will mean a more punctual, reliable service for customers.
“We are looking forward to seeing the results of this pilot scheme next year which will inform our next steps.”
The pilot project is set to be completed in February 2022.
From this the results will be assessed and shared with the wider rail industry.
