Atkins Awarded Design and Engineering Contract for Thameslink Traffic Management Programme
Atkins, one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, has been awarded a contract to support Hitachi Information Control Systems (HICSE) and Hitachi Rail Europe with the delivery of the Tranista® Traffic Management System (TMS) for Network Rail’s Thameslink programme.
Atkins has been appointed by HICSE to review its Tranista system to ensure that it meets Network Rail’s functional and operational requirements for compatibility with the UK rail network. As such, a multi-disciplinary team from Atkins will provide a variety of detailed design and engineering services through GRIP stages 4 and 5.
The programme of work will draw on expertise in Communications, Electrification and Plant, and Ergonomics. It will utilise:
- surveys of designated locations across the network from Three Bridges Rail Operating Centre (ROC) in the South to York ROC in the North
- advanced design methodologies to identify the best way of installing the technology required to operate the Tranista system.
Working to deliver TMS for Thameslink demonstrates Atkins’ commitment to digital solutions, which have the potential to alleviate capacity issues and enhance the passenger experience, while delivering unprecedented levels of safety, reliability and cost-effectiveness at systems level.
In addition to its review of the hardware requirements, Atkins will also be focusing on software performance. As the UK consultancy with the largest number of Registered Chartered Ergonomists and Human Factors Specialists, the Atkins team has been tasked with supporting HICSE with the design and configuration of Thameslink’s computer nerve centre at Three Bridges.
To ensure the optimal use of this digital TMS, it is essential that there is a comprehensive review of the existing server capability. This enables the full exploitation of the new technology, by ensuring it works seamlessly with the existing infrastructure.
Conor Linnell, practice director, Transportation at Atkins, said: “It is very exciting for Atkins to be able to bring its extensive experience in the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects to bear on a ground-breaking programme such as TMS for Thameslink, which marks the beginning of the digital age of the UK railway.”
The first level of the Tranista system will allow train operating employees to make informed choices when managing train pathing and routing across the network, ensuring significant increases in efficiency.
Furthermore, Atkins is working closely with Network Rail to support the wider implementation of its Traffic Management programme, helping it to understand how best to rollout the scheme.
Tim Gray, Managing Director of Hitachi Information Control Systems commented: “We’re looking forward to working with Atkins on this cutting-edge digital railway project, built upon industry collaboration. Traffic Management has the potential to increase capacity as well as bring a new age for rail planning across the UK network. This new deal with Atkins will enhance Hitachi’s relationship with Network Rail and other sector partners to ensure Traffic Management delivers more reliable services for fare paying customers.”
