South West Trains introduces GreenSpeed Driver Advisory System

UK train operator South West Trains will install GreenSpeed Driver Advisory System to its trains to improve reliability and punctuality across the network.

The new technology will be introduced for the first time on a UK rail network. Real time data is automatically collected from a range of sources to calculate the ideal speed of the train to ensure it arrives exactly on time. According the South West Trains the technology has the potential to reduce impact on the environment by lowering energy consumption as well as allowing more frequent trains to run on the network.

The latest announcement is a part of an existing programme to locate extra space on a crowded network. Other plans include extension of platforms, reopening the former Waterloo International Terminal and investment to refurbish carriages and provide longer trains.

Installation of the GreenSpeed Driver Advisory System will begin in May this year; the first pilot will begin on the West of England lines in the autumn. The system will be fully operational in 2016 following driver training. The installation contract was awarded to rolling stock engineering consultancy ESG and Cubris, the IT and engineering company.

Christian Roth, Engineering Director for South West Trains, said: “We are constantly working to find ways to improve the service we offer to our passengers. We are investing millions of pounds right across the network to provide extra space, refurbish and improve our trains as well as upgrading our infrastructure to ensure more of our trains run on time.

“The introduction of this ground breaking technology is part of that ongoing commitment and is a major step forward towards improving one of Europe’s busiest networks.”