Northern Ireland's public transport operator Translink is set to revolutionise its daily operations thanks to a new software system from transport specialist SISCOG. The five-year contract, which was awarded following an international tender, will see the implementation of Translink's "Rail Validation System" and will help to improve the efficiency and consistency of the company's rail services.
The new system will be cloud-hosted and will take control of both long-term planning and daily operations, including train timetables, rolling stock, and employees. This will help Translink to maximize efficiency and meet the goals of its "Better Connected" strategy, which aims to make public transport more accessible and reliable.
The system will also support Translink's ongoing and future projects, such as the new eight-platform Belfast Grand Central Station, which is due to be completed in late 2024. It will also be used to support the planning and management of the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise train, which is operated jointly by Translink and Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).
Richard Knox, Translink general manager for Rail Services, said: "This system will support the internal Translink team in delivering an optimised and efficient service for our passengers."
"We look forward to working with the SISCOG team to use this enhanced technology to improve services, maximise the use of resources, and ensure continued high-quality performance."
Eurico Matos, SISCOG's head of strategic development, said: "We are honoured to have earned Translink's trust for the design of the new 'Rail Validation System'. Our team is eager to leverage our experience and expertise to deliver a system that elevates current operations and tackles future challenges head-on, ensuring Translink's customers experience a best-in-class transport service."
Translink’s Better Connected Strategy aims to improve and upgrade multiple facets of the Translink operation. This includes an ambition to move to electric/hydrogen technology for its fleet as it aims for carbon neutrality by 2040. It also recently committed to meeting the highest international standards for its asset management system alongside hitting 95% punctuality for its transport services.
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