News

Getting it right on safety critical software

New guidance could make it easier for rail companies to specify complex software for safety-critical systems according to rail industry body, RSSB. Trains increasingly rely on high integrity software for power, movement, in-cab signalling, door controls, and on-board diagnostics. Getting the software right is vital, as problems can cause unnecessary cost and disruption to projects, or potentially a risk to safety and reliability. The guidance note is aimed particularly at those who don’t necessarily have a...

Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) and Specific Transmission Module (STM)

As Network Rail prepares to rollout ETCS across its network, work is also starting to deliver rolling stock that is compatible with the new system. All new trains currently on order for the UK will be ETCS-ready, and the initial steps to upgrade some existing fleets have been taken. Delivering compatibility between legacy Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) and ETCS is one of the most challenging elements of the rollout, but new technology is now available to make this a seamless process. UNISIG, the...

Rail Regulator publishes principles for driver controlled operation

5 April 2017 The Office of Rail and Road has today published safety principles it expects train companies to follow when rolling out and managing Driver Controlled Operation (DCO). Six high level principles have been drawn up in consultation with industry and the trade unions. They are designed as a framework for train companies who are considering introducing, or who are operating, DCO. The Principles set out that DCO schemes need to be well planned, with appropriate implementation timescales and developed...

ASE becomes a Project Observer for TCNOpen

Applied Software Engineering has recently become a Project Observer for the prestigious TCNOpen initiative, which aims to widen the use of collaboratively developed systems that adhere to an open standard. Managing Director Michael Darby said that this was an initiative in which he has a special interest, as it supports concepts of communication that he has long been interested in, and will prove to be of great value to the rail industry in general. TCNOpen TCNOpen is an open source initiative in which the...

Shortlist for the Greater Anglia rail franchise announced

Published: 3rd June 2015 Been there, done that and a bit of déjà vu? The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the shortlisted bidders for the Greater Anglia franchise and all three have at some stage operated the trains in East Anglia. The three are: Abellio East Anglia Limited (a joint venture between Abellio and Stagecoach), First East Anglia Limited and National Express East Anglia Trains Limited who will each work with the DfT to develop their proposals before receiving the official invitation...

PACE's DStv Explorer receives Satellite Television Product of the Year Award

Pace plc, a global leader for digital TV and broadband technology solutions for service providers, is pleased to announce that the DStv Explora HD PVR has been selected as the 2015 Satellite Television Product of the Year in South Africa. The decoder enables DStv customers to record up to 220 hours of programing, and provides access to enhanced home entertainment services such as video on demand through MultiChoice’s BoxOffice and DStv Catch Up services. The DStv Explora delivers high-quality digital media...

INTERFLO 550: A communication-based signalling system for ERTMS compatible regional lines

INTERFLO 550 is a flexible, modularised wayside train control system, specifically designed to provide the capacity, adaptability and cost-effectiveness needed for regional, secondary lines. Its modular design concept enables Bombardier to personalise the solution to customers’ particular preferences and offers the facility of future growth, while consistently ensuring safe and efficient train operation. The solution has been developed as part of a drive by the Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer (UIC)...

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