V/TC&C SIC
Vehicle/Train Control and Communication
System Interface Committee
Train Control Technical Sub Group (TCTSG)
Remit
Issue (4) Wednesday 31 July August
1
Introduction
1.1
This document defines the working arrangements for the Train Control Technical Sub Group
(TCTSG) in accordance with the SIC Protocol.
2
Purpose and Scope
2.1
Purpose
2.1.1 The purpose of the TCTSG shall be to assist the railway industry, under the direction
of V/TC&C SIC, to manage technical and operational aspects of train control and train
protection systems and system interfaces in a safe, cost effective and efficient way.
2.2
Scope
2.2.1 The scope includes the technical and operational aspects of train control and train
protection systems, specifically but not limited to:
2.3

TPWS

AWS

ATP

TCA

ETCS/ERTMS issues requiring resolution as delegated by the V/TC&C SIC

Issues to be dealt with delegated by the V/TC&C SIC or the ETCS project

Other issues delegated by the V/TC&C SIC
Objectives

To establish the TCTSG as a recognised stakeholder group, promoting the
relevant outputs to the industry and stakeholders.

Providing cost effective strategic guidance and management of train control
system interfaces.

Strategic guidance on obsolescence management.

Assisting in the continuous improvement of performance by:
 Monitoring system performance and failure statistics/data
 Identifying issues for each of the systems within the group’s remit
 Prioritising each issue against the risks to RAMS (Reliability, Availability,
Maintainability and Safety)
 Identifying solutions for the issues
 Defining timescales for establishing solutions to the issues
Secretary: Michal Jordan | Telephone: 0203 142 5526 | Fax: 0203 142 5661
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V/TC&C SIC
Vehicle/Train Control and Communication
System Interface Committee
 Providing recommendations, for engineering solutions and control measures
to standard writers, duty holders and regulators
 Disseminating improved understanding across the industry
 Seeking/receiving feedback from the industry on recommendations, learning,
needs etc.
2.4

Providing a strategic overview of the implementation on any proposed solution

Maintaining and, where appropriate, developing relationships with other SICs,
Standard Committees, European Mirror Groups and others carrying out relevant
National Initiatives
Conditions under which the sub group will cease activity
2.4.1 The TCTSG will cease activity:

If the requirement for the group’s activity ceases to exist.

Under instruction from the V/TC&C SIC.

Upon withdrawal of industry support in kind.
2.4.2 Where there is a serious infringements of Intellectual Property Rights or commercial
sensitivity, the TCTSG may be required to cease activity on that particular topic(s).
2.4.3 Any proposal to disband requires the endorsement of V/TC&C SIC.
3
Composition of the Sub Group
3.1
The TCTSG core membership shall comprise of representation from the following industry
constituencies who shall have voting rights:

Train Operators (Passenger and/or Freight)

Rolling Stock Operating Company

Infrastructure Managers (Network Rail as the minimum)

Infrastructure Maintenance Companies (IMCs operating vehicles on the network)

RSSB

Suppliers
3.2
Stakeholders (other than those listed above) and guests shall be invited by the Chair to
provide supporting expertise, as and when required, which will include additional supplier
representation and the regulators.
4
Disclosure of Interests
4.1
If a member or a company for whom that member works, has a direct or indirect interest in a
matter to be discussed by the group, as distinct from a common interest of the industry
category as a whole, the member shall declare that interest to the Chairman of the group of
which they are a member at the earliest opportunity:
a)
On the first occasion at which the matter is discussed, or
Secretary: Michal Jordan | Telephone: 0203 142 5526 | Fax: 0203 142 5661
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V/TC&C SIC
Vehicle/Train Control and Communication
System Interface Committee
b)
If a member is not aware of an interest at that time, at the next group meeting
after which they become aware of that interest, regardless of whether the matter
is being discussed at that meeting
5
Delegation of Authority
5.1
Decision Making
5.1.1 The TCTSG should endeavour to agree a consensus on matters discussed. If consensus
cannot be achieved the meeting shall clearly document why a consensus could not be
achieved and report to and seek guidance from the V/TC&C SIC.
5.1.2 The TCTSG will seek endorsement from the V/TC&C SIC where appropriate on decisions
made.
5.1.3 The TCTSG is empowered to review and approve the workplan of subgroups and working
groups that report to it.
5.2
Reporting / Recommendations
5.2.1 The TCTSG will report to the V/TC&C SIC as a minimum twice a year and if required by
exception.
5.2.2 The TCTSG report shall also include the work plan projects that sit under its control.
5.2.3 The TCTSG has delegated authority to review and endorse the remit of any subgroup or
working group that sit under it.
6
SIC Funding and Budget Management
6.1
Representation by the industry stakeholders on the TCTSG shall be in kind.
6.2
Funding for specific packages of Research and Development will be made available from
RSSB subject to agreement from the System Interface Committee and authorisation by
RSSB.
6.3
RSSB will provide financial support for any non-Research and Development activities in line
with the SIC agreement signed by RSSB and the V/TC&C SIC Chair.
7
Process to elect and appoint new members / chairpersons
7.1
The TCTSG shall follow the election process for new members or a new chairperson as set
out in SIC Protocol.
7.2
The TCTSG will elect the Chair from the membership of the group. The position of
Chairperson will be continuous, until the TCTSG members agree by consensus to elect
another Chairperson, or when the existing Chairperson resigns.
7.3
The retention of the position for the chairperson will be reviewed every three years.
Secretary: Michal Jordan | Telephone: 0203 142 5526 | Fax: 0203 142 5661
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V/TC&C SIC
Vehicle/Train Control and Communication
System Interface Committee
8
Organisation
8.1
Meeting Quorum
8.1.1 A meeting will be quorate with 1 x Infrastructure Manager, 1 x TOC and 1 x RSSB or
their nominated alternates.
8.1.2 If the meeting is not quorate absent members will have three weeks after the
distribution of the draft minutes to make an objection to any decision taken in the
meeting. If no objections are made the decision will stand.
8.2
Operation of Meetings
8.2.1 RSSB will facilitate the meeting in consultation with the Chairman of the meeting.
8.2.2 The meeting will operate to a pre-agreed agenda.
8.2.3 The TCTSG will meet every two months with exception where necessary.
8.2.4 If there are insufficient agenda items to be discussed at any single meeting the
Chairman will, with consultation, cancel the meeting with a minimum of five working
days’ notice.
9
Administration
9.1
Reporting Structure
9.1.1 The TCTSG will report to the V/TC&C SIC.
9.1.2 The subgroup and working groups outlined in the reporting organisational chart will
report to the TCTSG on a regular basis.
9.2
Minutes
9.2.1 Draft minutes will be reviewed by the RSSB Technical Expert, the RSSB Research
and Development Member and then by the Chair before distribution to the group.
9.2.2 The draft minutes will be distributed to the group via the RSSB Extranet.
9.2.3 The draft minutes of each meeting will be approved at the following meeting.
9.2.4 The final approved minutes of each meeting will be distributed to the group via the
RSSB Extranet.
9.2.5 As part of the review of the draft minutes the TCTSG members will confirm whether
the approved minutes can be released into the public domain with or without
modification.
9.3
Meeting Documentation
9.3.1 The TCTSG meeting documentation will be provided to the group no later than one
week prior to the meeting, exceptions to this must be approved by the chair.
9.3.2 The meeting documentation will be distributed to the group via the RSSB Extranet.
9.3.3 Individuals permitted to use the RSSB Extranet and do not have access to the site,
need to contact the TCTSG secretary in order to be granted access.
Secretary: Michal Jordan | Telephone: 0203 142 5526 | Fax: 0203 142 5661
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V/TC&C SIC
Vehicle/Train Control and Communication
System Interface Committee
9.4
Remit Review
9.4.1 This remit shall be reviewed a minimum of every two years.
9.4.2 Any amendments to the remit shall be endorsed by the V/TC&C SIC prior to issue.
Secretary: Michal Jordan | Telephone: 0203 142 5526 | Fax: 0203 142 5661
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