The intelligent use of signalling and traffic management technology

The UK's Transport Committee recently published its report 'Rail technology: signalling and traffic management' with a focus on the Digital Railway. The term 'Digital Railway' covers a range of systems rather than a specific technology. The Committee does not advocate or reject any specific option but recommends that Network Rail undertakes a full cost/benefit analysis which is published for consultation, before finalising its strategy.

Elements of the Digital Railway programme are already in use, others are being trialled. A fully implemented, cross-industry delivery plan, is to be encouraged. However, Network Rail should make sure that the right interventions are used on the right routes and take their time to get it right.

Louise Ellman MP, Chair of the Transport Committee, commented:

"The number of passengers using our rail network is increasing year on year. There is an urgent need to increase capacity and the Digital Railway is an exciting programme which could have real impact. We have seen successes on some metro lines already.

This is a real opportunity to give the UK's rail passengers a world class system. Network Rail's past performance in planning major enhancements has been poor but this is an exciting opportunity to restore confidence by coordinating a whole sector approach which delivers real improvements for the passenger and industry."