All 147 of Manchester Metrolink’s trams are to be fitted with enhanced safety systems as part of the RAIB recommendations following the Sandilands accident on London Tramlink. Transport for Greater Manchester have awarded a contract to DB ESG to deliver the Tram Safety Improvement Programme.
The trams are already fitted with a device that applies the emergency brake in the event of the driver becoming incapacitated and the signalling system has several built-in protections. And now DB ESG will work in partnership with Sella Controls who will design, install, test and commission the Driver Vigilance Devices (DVD) and Tram Overspeed Protection Systems (TOPS). The new systems use GPS and other information to determine the location and speed of the tram.
The system utilises Sella Controls UK Rail approved Tracklink® III and EKE Electronics TRAINNET® technologies to provide the TOPS and DVD System. In the event of over-speeding, the driver will be alerted, and if there is no response the brakes will be applied automatically. The protection system will operate independently of other tram monitoring systems. To ensure drivers remain alert, an upgrade will be applied to the traction brake system and if no movement is detected input will be requested from the driver.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM Head of Metrolink, said: “The safety of our customers and staff is paramount, which is why we have robust safety and assurance practices built into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the network. Metrolink has an exemplary safety record, but following the tragedy in Croydon – and through the subsequent RAIB recommendations – we have taken steps to enhance this even further and have played an industry-leading role by participating in trials of innovative technology to monitor driver attention and vehicle over-speeding. Metrolink is the largest and most complex light rail system in the country, and we’ve worked very closely with leading industry experts to ensure we get the right solution, and we look forward to working with DB ESG to deliver them.”
TfGM and KeolisAmey Metrolink have been working to progress the RAIB recommendations and have introduced enhancements such as lower speed limits in some areas, additional hazard signage, an improved driver simulator used for training, enhanced medical standards and proactive speed monitoring. These new systems will add to this.
Nick Goodhand, Managing Director at DB ESG, added: “We are pleased to be working with TfGM to deliver their critical Tram Safety Improvement Programme to implement the RAIB recommendations. The Tram Overspeed Protection System introduces an additional level of safety without impact to the normal service delivery or performance of the tram network.”