Intelligent Transport System – RRUKA Special Issue ‐ Editorial

Abstract

The Rail Research UK Association (RRUKA) was formed in 2010 with the aim of providing a forum in which industry and academia can come together to identify and deliver fundamental research which will benefit the whole railway system. There are currently 51 institutional members and over 300 RRUKA researchers who have the expertise and skills to develop new concepts to address long standing issues and explore emerging opportunities that the industry is keen to exploit. The association fulfils its objectives through a number of activities, including networking events, conferences, thematic workshops, and facilitating the delivery of academic research. This IET Intelligent Transport System Special Issue presents a selection of research papers presented at the third RRUKA annual conference held in London in 2014. The conference showcased the activities of the members, who presented their latest work both in the plenary speaking sessions, and also in the Blue Sky Village where industry and academic colleagues exchanged ideas and concepts for the next generation of cutting edge solutions. Mark Carne, Chief Executive of Network Rail, set out in his keynote to address the challenges facing the railway, and outlined the future vision of an entirely digitally- enabled railway system. In this future vision the railway system will fully embrace and adopt emerging digital technology in all aspects of its operation, delivering benefits for the passenger, operators, maintainers, and renewals and upgrades. The papers published in this issue cover a broad spectrum of research within the scope of ITS. System wide issues are addressed by the papers on: the whole-system life cost analysis method for railway infrastructure management; the geospatial safety risk model; and electromagnetic compatibility between rolling stock and the surrounding systems. Optimisation of the railway system and its operation is tackled in papers which address: the turnaround arrangements at terminal stations; delay management with minimal energy consumption; and the use of remote condition monitoring for improved wheelset management. The paper examining how passengers have dealt with the increased amount of counter-terrorism measures which are now implemented within stations, and also the paper which addressed how the system is coping with an aging passenger population, particular relating to slips trips and falls, provide relevant research into human factors. Some of the most interesting and creditable work that is undertaken by RRUKA members and supported by industry partners is published in this issue. We hope that you find the papers of value. More information on the association and how you can engage can be found on our website www.rruka.org.uk.