5 November 2013
RSSB launches open innovation challenges to shape the future of rail traffic
management
RSSB is working with 100%Open to build an ambitious open innovation programme on
the future of rail traffic management. The programme known as FuTRO (Future Traffic
Regulation Optimisation), portrays a vision for a future of advanced traffic management
where train position and speed management will deliver a high capacity, on-time
railway.
Today we announce the launch of the first two challenges:
The Universal Data Challenge:
•
How do we manage the future railway through combining diverse data sources in
a timely way?
The Supermap Challenge:
•
How do we create an accurate and versatile map of the rail network so that we
can model ways to optimise the system?
FuTRO is designed to support the broader vision in the Rail Technical Strategy where
the 2040s railway is envisaged to combine flexible, real-time intelligent traffic
management. Control centres will know the precise location, speed, braking and load of
every train on the network to optimise operational performance and keep passengers
informed.
Network Rail’s John Collins said “This was an exciting opportunity to bring fresh insights
into how the railway’s ever-rising traffic volumes are managed so that customers have
the trains they need at the times they need well into the longer term. FuTRO will
enhance capacity and provide passengers with the journey time reliability they seek.”
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RSSB’s James Hardy, said: ‘It was good to see aspiring innovators together to kick-start
the challenges. It was an opportunity to network with people not just in the rail industry
but participants who have interests in the data, design aspects and potential new
business models.”
Workshops held earlier this year have helped pinpoint the focus of the challenges and
the associated questions.
FuTRO forms part of the Future Railway initiative led by the Technical Strategy
Leadership Group.
-EndsFor further information, please contact RSSB’s press office, on 020 3142 5330/1/2/3 or
email pressoffice@rssb.co.uk or visit the RSSB website at www.rssb.co.uk or the
FutureRailway website at www.futurerailway.org
Notes to editors:
1. About the FuTRO programme
FuTRO (Future Traffic Regulation Optimisation) was launched in May at the British Library. It is a
programme that will source innovative ways to address vital aspects of train operation, ensuring that
trains are in the right place, at the right time, all the time and that they recover following disruption. For
more information on FuTRO, please see the briefing document here: futurerailway.org.
2. About TSLG
The Technical Strategy Leadership Group (TSLG), is an RSSB-facilitated cross-industry expert body
made up of senior executive staff from industry and funders, charged with developing and championing
implementation of the Rail Technical Strategy, supporting communication, managing strategic research,
identifying opportunities, barriers and actions. TSLG has a remit to address future opportunities over a
30-year horizon. For more information please visit: www.futurerailway.org.
3. About RSSB
RSSB builds industry-wide consensus and facilitates the resolution of difficult cross-industry issues. It
provides knowledge, analysis, a substantial level of technical expertise and powerful information and risk
management tools. This delivers a unique mix to the industry across a whole range of subject areas –
with the aim of:
Where reasonably practicable, continuously improving the level of safety in the rail industry
Driving out unnecessary cost
Improving business performance
RSSB manages the cross industry research and development programme, which covers ‘systems’ issues
across the railway, engineering interfaces within the railway, and interfaces with other parts of the
community and society. This also includes managing the existing cross-industry research programme,
RSSB Block 2 Angel Square 1 Torrens Street London EC1V 1NY
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3142 5300 Facsimile: +44 (0)20 3142 5301 www.rssb.co.uk
Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited Registered Office: Block 2 Angel Square 1 Torrens Street London EC1V 1NY Registered in England No. 04655675
strategic research for TSLG to support the Rail Technical Strategy, as well as hosting the Enabling
Innovation Team.
4. About 100%Open
100%Open is an open innovation agency that helps clients co-create with suppliers and customers to
deliver new products and services. We help clients get value out of open innovation through strategic
planning, programme design, training and venturing. 100%open creates genuine partnerships in which
the risks and rewards of the innovations are shared. Clients include Procter & Gamble, Oracle, Virgin
Atlantic, InterfaceFLOR, Royal Mail, Tesco, Orange, Discovery Channel, Shop Direct, Cancer Research
UK, McLaren, NATS, Pfizer, BT, Danone, and Oxfam. For more information please visit
www.100open.com
RSSB Block 2 Angel Square 1 Torrens Street London EC1V 1NY
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3142 5300 Facsimile: +44 (0)20 3142 5301 www.rssb.co.uk
Rail Safety and Standards Board Limited Registered Office: Block 2 Angel Square 1 Torrens Street London EC1V 1NY Registered in England No. 04655675