1. Simulation systems for
training, validating and
design optimisation –
a traffic management
case study
Tim Gray
29th April 2014

2. Content
• Introduction
• TRE & Hitachi
• Evolution of signaller training
• High fidelity training simulators
• Signalling and operations design validation
• Next generation Traffic Management requirements
• Project and operational risk reduction
• Conclusions
2

3. Introduction to TRE & Hitachi
• TRE background
• Work in Scandinavia
• Hitachi acquisition
• Hitachi activity in Europe
• UK Scenario and challenges
• Application to Scandinavia
3

4. Evolution of signaller training (1)
4
• Use of model railways and layouts
• Training by ‘shadowing’ experienced staff
• Heavy focus on knowledge of “The Rule Book”

5. Evolution of signaller training (2)
5
• Mandated in UK following Ladbroke Grove
• Training, assessment, competence check
• High fidelity is important
• 100% replica, safe off-line environment
• Practice response to disruption/emergency
• c.140 TREsims now installed in NR
• > 90% of VDU signalling systems simulated
• Multi-vendor Product Acceptance granted
• Accurate model of interlocking
• Modelling and decision support….

6. EMROC Simulator
6

7. TREsim Block Diagram
7
Interlocking Simulation
Timetable Generator / Editor
Train Movement Simulator
Faulting and Scenarios
Duplicate Dispatcher Display &
Controls
Communications
Level Crossing Control
Signaller / Trainee
Workstation
Trainer / Assessor
Workstation

8. Trainer / Assessor Interface
8

9. Additional Assessor Tools
9

10. Stockholm Prototype system
10

11. Combined driving/signalling simulation
11

12. 12
NJSK Norway Simulator
KB/Sydac Cab SimulatorsTRE Traffic Simulators

13. Validation, Design & Optimisation
In Addition to Training and Competence Management;
• Design verification – new/upgrade schemes
– infrastructure layout
– signalling
– operations
• Construction programme evaluation
• Timetable testing
• Service reliability & performance analysis
• For mainline and depot infrastructure
• In fact, simulate throughout the life cycle
13

14. Validation Process
Business
Case
Concept
Operations
Work
Station
Evaluation /
Human
Factors
Scheme
Optioneering
Final
Design /
Data Test
Pre-
Commissioning
Training
Operational
Phase
Future
Change
14

15. Case Study - Traffic Management System
• NR implementing a UK national
Traffic Management System
• Key benefits
• NR plan first deployment, then
roll out in ROCs
• Three prototype suppliers
• TREsim used to evaluate
• Joined existing simulations
• Virtual area test bed
• 4 workstation areas/24hr
timetable/c.1600 trains
15

16. Tranista Hitachi’s Traffic Management System
• Based on over 40 years experience in operation
• Continued development, in collaboration with users
• 100% Automatic Route Setting, with no manual route
setting interface on some Japanese systems
• Can be customised to provide the “look and feel” required
by different railway administrations
• Strong desire to implement in Europe
• Positive feedback from trials in model office
16

17. Tranista Model Office
17

18. Tranista for Network Rail
• Provide “One Version of the Truth” to all users
• Has the ability to control anything from anywhere
• Routes all trains according to the plan:
– Conflict detection and resolution
– Short-term changes to the plan
– Long-term changes to the plan
– Stock & crew allocation
• Can work with existing/legacy control systems
• Demonstrated using real data from the Leeds area
– Over 1560 trains per day (Inter-City, Commuter and Freight)
– 35 Stations
18

19. Tranista for Network Rail
19

20. Benefits (1)
• Extensively tested by NR operators, controllers and TOC staff
during the evaluation period.
• Successfully performed wide range of operational scenarios.
• Worked well with the simulated railway environment
• De-risking real railway implementation
• Well-received by the evaluation teams.
– Initially some resistance to the “everything according to the
plan” interface, as operators were used to setting routes,
but this was soon overcome.
• Consistently delivered high levels of performance
• and enabled pro-active action to address operational problems
and recover the timetable.
20

21. Benefits (2)
21
• Use of simulation as part of the Traffic Management
System evaluation was well received
• Enabled extensive project de-risking and stakeholder
engagement
• Can demonstrate performance aspects of the TMS
• Will be used in first deployment projects for similar
validation prior to roll out
• Then an on-going tool for operator training, competence
management, scenario modelling
• And future changes to infrastructure and operations

22. Summary
• Signaller/dispatcher training is a positive benefit to
performance and safety
• High fidelity simulation allows normal and extreme situations to
be modelled and trained
• Positive project and programme benefits via early modelling
• Staff and system readiness can be evaluated prior to live use
• Traffic Management Systems bring enhanced timetable
delivery and many other benefits
• Use of simulation in TMS (and other) projects is encouraged
• To yield positive reduction in project, implementation and
operational risk
• Please speak to TRE and Hitachi colleagues in the audience.
22

23. 23
Thank you/Contact
Tim Gray MSc, BSc, CEng, MIET
Sales & Marketing Director
T +44 (0) 1225 860 140 E tim.gray@trerail.co.uk
F +44 (0) 1225 867 698 W www.trerail.co.uk
M +44 (0) 7725 203 382
A Manvers House, Kingston Road, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire,
BA15 1AB, UK