Southern and Network Rail’s Alliance already has its first success

Delays due to third rail electrical transfer problems could be dramatically reduced thanks to a ground-breaking on-train monitoring system being developed by Southern and Network Rail.

Building on the success of the joint working which has been in place since the start of the franchise, Southern and Network Rail (Sussex) signed up in June to form an Alliance which is aimed at enhancing safety, performance, customer experience and industry value for money.

One of the projects the Alliance is working on is an exciting new on-train monitoring system which detects problems with the connection between the train’s shoe-gear, and the third rail. Shoe-gear picks up electricity from the third, or conductor rail to power the train.

Train failures relating to damaged shoe-gear have been known to cause substantial disruption, and in the last 12 months, causing over 25,000 delay minutes to Southern services.

To better understand how and why these problems occur, a project (TRIME) is being undertaken by Southern and Network Rail Sussex as part of the recently forged Alliance to develop a monitoring system which would be capable of identifying where problems occur between the shoe-gear and third rail.

A Class 377 train has been modified with the new system known as Third Rail In-Service Monitoring Equipment, or TRIME. Once processed, the results are plotted on a map, highlighting areas where problems have been detected.

Southern’s Fleet Director, Gerry McFadden said: “TRIME is a marvelous example of just how important the Alliance between us is. By working with Network Rail on this project we aim to reduce the instances of shoe-gear damage and so reduce delays and reduce costs associated with disruption and maintenance. First results have been really positive which has to be great news for our passengers.”

Mark Ruddy, Network Rail’s Managing Director Sussex route said” We are always looking at ways to make the railway more reliable, efficient and cost-effective. This is an exciting trial which highlights the many areas we can target to achieve this. Working closely with Southern, will be able to monitor the conductor rail across Sussex and highlight sections which need to be improved. The results will help deliver a more reliable network which will save the industry money and cause fewer disruptions for passengers.”

The TRIME project has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Engineering Innovation of the Year category in the National Rail Awards. The awards ceremony takes place in September.