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Operational Planning

Operational Simulation

The interaction of passenger demand and train service is a key one for urban railways, in particular. Passengers' desires for a reliable service have been complemented by the new track access agreements, in which financial penalties may also be imposed. The Company has considerable experience with simulating train services using LUL's Train Service Model, and has developed its own simulation, Trakattk™.

• Examples: TSM simulation of infrastructure enhancements designed to improve service performance, at West Ham, Acton Town and Oakwood, for LUL, and of train service on the Airport Express/Lantau Line corridor, for MTRC, Hong Kong; service reliability study for Chiltern Railways

Timetabling and General Operability Issues

The requirement for access to the rail network, with its attendant financial implications, has become of increased interest where infrastructure has been split from operations. We have a particularly good knowledge of Britain's railways, and can often find innovative solutions to potential problems involving a lack of train paths. In addition, clients with less knowledge of the railway industry frequently need a brief assessment of the general operability of proposals which may affect the railway e.g. from large-scale adjacent development. We are able to advise on the potential problems which may arise, and suggest solutions to them.

• Examples: Plan for development of railway services to serve the new Earth Centre museum, Conisbrough, South Yorkshire; West Anglia Route Study, for the Strategic Rail Authority; Crossrail Operational Assessment; analysis of the impacts of moving Thornton Fields sidings (East London) as part of Olympics enabling works, for L B Newham; Regular-Interval Timetabling in France

Train Service Analysis

With train service performance often one of the high-level goals set by government, this is an important area. Although much data may already be collected (especially by electronic signalling systems), analysing it in detail requires an understanding of the data available and the biases and errors it may contain. Key issues include understanding whether delays are caused between stations (and, if so, whether this is a function of operation on the day, or inadequate allowances) or at stations (where passenger movements may be the main contributor to delay).

• Examples: Victoria-Balham train service analysis; station stop time analysis for the NOVA metro group; Train Service Performance Modelling statistical analysis

Performance Audits

From time to time, operational performance can deteriorate to a level deemed to be unacceptable. At this stage, a wide number of alternative actions can be taken to improve matters, including improved staff training and deployment (of both train and station staff), and adjustments to timetables and train diagrams. Through our good understanding of railway operations, costs and passenger demand drivers, we can advise on the most effective ways of regaining performance and therefore revenue without incurring excessive cost.

• Examples: Operations Analysis for Valley Lines, South Wales;; Station Performance Surveys of London Victoria (for Southern), Nørreport, Copenhagen (for the Danish Government) and Reading (for First Great Western); Oslo Western corridor (NSB, Norwegian State Railways).

Signalling and Track Layout Design

Before equipment is replaced on a 'like-for-like' basis, it is prudent to examine the future needs of the rail business in that area, and to make an assessment as to whether changes in facilities would be appropriate. These can include changes to signalled headways, track layouts and platform arrangements.

• Example: Plans for resignalling of Rhymney Valley line, and Cardiff Queen Street station redevelopment, for Railtrack GW Zone.

Safety Analysis

Although railways are inherently safe, the severity of consequences of accidents or other problems mean that continued attention is needed to ensure that safety is maintained. Careful data analysis (e.g. on near-miss type incidents) can be a valuable tool in avoiding more serious problems in the future, and this requires a good understanding of both railway operations and statistical techniques.

• Example: Statistical Analysis of Driver Incidents

Freight Planning

Many industrial companies are facing distribution problems as road congestion rises and lorry's hours are restricted through legislation. However, they may not know what rail has to offer. We have guided a number of clients through the arrangements needed to develop profitable railfreight services, by determining appropriate freight operating companies, wagon types, train slots and so on.

• Examples: Currently confidential, but we hope in the near future to be able to publicise a key new rail freight service we have developed.

© The Railway Consultancy Ltd, Tel +44 (0)20 8676 0395, Fax +44 (0)20 8778 7439
First Floor, South Tower, Crystal Palace Railway Station, London SE19 2AZ

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Last Modified: Tuesday, July 8, 2008