New software helps Greater Anglia cut delays caused by train faults
The rail company says it'll help them spot issues quicker
Greater Anglia says it's invested in new hi-tech software which it hopes will help reduce the number of delays caused by train faults.
The software is used by technicians in the company's centre control room in Romford.
If a driver rings to say there's a fault with their train the technicians can use the software to click through a set of questions relating to the symptoms being described to them.
The software then identifies the actions needed to get the train on the move again.
Martin Beable, Greater Anglia’s engineering director, said: “This software has been key in ensuring that if issues do occur on our trains, the myriad key actions and steps that need to be taken can be completed as quickly as possible to try and get the train on the move.
“We’ve worked with our Stadler colleagues in ensuring all the relevant information is captured after each incident and that is put into the decision support tool, so it’s as effective and useful as possible. Soon we’ll be introducing it for our Alstom-built commuter fleet of new trains too.
“We are proud that our team have been able to use this tool to help reduce our delays per technical incident to levels that most train operators only aspire to achieve.
“Our new trains are improving our punctuality and reliability. They travel between 120,000 to 200,000 miles a year and like any machine with moving parts they do sometimes develop faults, but this software is helping us to keep delays to customers to a minimum.”
Thibaut Decré, IQM Software’s head of strategy, said: "It has been great to work with Greater Anglia in their effort to double down on improving essential software to their operation, including our system: TEAM.
“Working with a team with such a clear vision and quick decision making allows us to quickly achieve great results, and we're looking forward to remaining a strategic partner for Greater Anglia's digital strategy."
It comes as the rail company is in the final stages of replacing its entire fleet with brand new state-of-the-art trains.
All of the old trains will be out of service by next summer.