British operator Avanti West Coast has begun testing a digital train traffic optimization system developed by the Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS) to manage unforeseen disruptions more efficiently.
The tool uses digital simulations to quickly generate alternative traffic options in situations such as speed restrictions, line closures, or severe weather conditions.
Operational staff enter the parameters affecting planned services, and the system provides optimized timetable suggestions that can be quickly implemented to keep as many trains running as possible and reduce the impact on passengers.
Each scenario is saved in the platform and can be reused later, allowing the operator to respond more effectively in similar situations. The technology will be tested for one year on the Anglo-Scot and North Wales routes, which are frequently affected by severe weather conditions.
Support for operational decisions
In addition to optimizing the timetable, Avanti West Coast is looking at how the system could support other operational components, including managing staff and rolling stock availability when scheduled services cannot be fully operated due to weather, infrastructure, or incidents on the line.
According to Andy Mellors, Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, the use of this technology provides the operator with an additional tool to improve services when disruptions occur, helping to increase reliability and enable a faster response from the rail system.
Sam Paice, CEO of CFMS, emphasized that the solution developed in partnership with the British operator leverages modeling and simulation to minimize the impact of disruptions and increase operational efficiency.
Project funded by government program
The development of the tool was supported by the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) program – the “First of a Kind” competition, funded by the Department for Transport and implemented by Innovate UK.
The solution was also shortlisted for the Collaborate to Innovate (C2I) Awards organized by The Engineer magazine.
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