Operations

Transit authorities delivering low-headway–high-frequency services with minimal delay require a prompt and reliable response to train and equipment related problems.

The classical approach is to report the problem to the control room, have the control room operator call in the maintainer, and then to have the maintainer make arrangements to deal with the situation. This chained process can be time consuming. Furthermore, the provided data may be insufficient for one to make a preliminary diagnostic or to decide on the appropriate action.

By bringing this information directly to the operator and maintainer, the TI-Analytics toolset helps to minimize response time, to improve response quality, and to improve key performance indicators for the transit authority. These indicators include availability, train kilometers, and most importantly, customer satisfaction.

Equipment problems reported by the train control system are generally limited to the control room, as extending these operational networks into maintenance areas is not encouraged due to security concerns.

TI-Analytics provides a window for the maintainer to stay informed of the operational state of the transit line. The operational network can remain private, while TI-Analytics transmit real-time data over to the transit authority’s business network.

Train location and identification is shown in real time in a geographical representation of the alignment. The alignment shows key features such stations, switches, track positions, and other operational information. The operational condition of each train is indicated by colour. Poor operational conditions would correspond to a train that is not moving or not reporting regularly. Good operational conditions would correspond to a train that operates normally with no faults.

Train problems are reported in real-time as an audible announcement and as a change of colour in the train icon. Additionally, notifications can be sent by e-mail or by text message. Operations and Maintenance staff are then aware of the problem at the same time as the control room staff. The details of the fault and location of the affected vehicle are known immediately. This way, maintenance staff are able to make a quick diagnostic and then recommend a course of action and dispatch staff accordingly. This information is kept with each train and therefore is not lost; a maintainer can check the status of any train at any time without any trips or phone calls to the control room. The date and time of each problem is stored making it easier to recover detailed information from train subsystems once the vehicle is returned to the maintenance facility.

When trains are required to come out of service for corrective maintenance activities, minimizing vehicle downtime is key. Knowing the real-time location allows technicians to meet the train as it arrives, and be prepared to deal with the problem and ensure it returns to service as quickly as possible.

TI-Analytics stores all the data it receives. Operations and maintenance can return to any point in time and review important events. Review of events can be in real-time or fast-forwarded if required. The replay feature assists in quick investigation and affords the opportunity for process improvement and training.

Every train that remains in service, every kilometer travelled, and every scheduled journey completed has a value. The value to each transit authority is measured and quantified differently, but an investment in TI-Analytics is a big step towards the great customer service that all authorities are looking for.