Great Britain Rail Safety: RSSB’s ETCS Bridge & Innovation Strategy

Introduction

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has launched a new Train Protection Strategy to enhance safety on Great Britain’s mainline railway network, focusing on the period before the full implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS). This strategy addresses the risks of Signals Passed at Danger (SPADs) and overspeeding incidents.

Strategy Development and Collaboration

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) developed the Train Protection Strategy through extensive cross-industry collaboration. The process involved data insights and research, including SPAD risk modeling and incident analysis. The strategy aligns with ongoing programs of work to ensure relevant and impactful outcomes. Monitoring the strategy’s delivery will be coordinated by the RSSB-facilitated Train Protection Strategy Group (TPSG), with industry-wide support.

Key Strategy Objectives

The primary aim of the strategy is to mitigate risk by defining what is “as low as reasonably practicable” (ALARP) in the context of train protection systems, with targeted enhancements to reduce derailment and collision risk. Given the ETCS rollout’s projected 30-year span, interim technological and operational improvements are recommended to address residual risks. The strategy emphasizes shared responsibility, promoting cross-industry leadership and recognizing the joint accountability between railway undertakings and infrastructure managers. It also encourages cost-effective solutions, using a prioritization matrix and lifecycle cost analysis to guide investment in enhancements that deliver maximum safety and performance benefits. Data-driven decision-making is emphasized, calling for improved incident reporting, risk assessment, and real-time data integration to support proactive safety management. The strategy also investigates opportunities to optimize technology, including the potential automation of certain operational processes, while maintaining digital signaling as the long-term vision.

Industry Perspectives

Tom Lee, RSSB’s Director of Standards, stated that the strategy bridges the gap between the current state and the long-term goal of ETCS, which could take decades to implement. Richard Hines, ORR’s HM Chief Inspector of Railways, welcomed the strategy, emphasizing the need for collaboration, strong leadership, and shared commitment across the system. Darren Jowett, Chair of the Train Protection Strategy Group and Head of System Authority at Network Rail, highlighted the focus on safety, reliability, and performance, noting the need to enhance existing train protection systems and embrace innovation. Rupert Lown, Group Safety, Security, Health and Environment Director at DFTO, highlighted the value of close industry collaboration and sharing data and best practices to drive safety and foster innovation.

Anticipated Outcomes

The strategy aims to bridge the gap until the full rollout of ETCS, providing a practical, risk-based framework to manage the risks of SPADs and overspeeding incidents. It emphasizes collaboration, shared commitment, and data-driven decision-making to enhance safety and ensure the railway’s reliability and performance. The strategy also looks to the future, investigating opportunities to optimize technology while maintaining digital signalling as the long-term vision.

Conclusion

The new Train Protection Strategy, developed by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), focuses on enhancing safety on Great Britain’s mainline railway network. The strategy addresses the risks of Signals Passed at Danger (SPADs) and overspeeding incidents until the full implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS). It emphasizes collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and technological optimization to improve safety and performance.

Company Summary

Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB): The RSSB is a British organisation that develops standards and provides research and analysis to the UK rail industry.

Network Rail: Network Rail is the owner and infrastructure manager of most of the railway network in Great Britain.

DFTO: No information provided.

Technology

European Train Control System (ETCS): A signaling system designed to improve safety by automating train protection.

Signals Passed at Danger (SPADs): Incidents where a train passes a signal without authority.