The West Midlands Metro have become the latest UK tramway to benefit from cutting-edge simulator technology which has been developed alongside the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB). Whilst we’re used to talking about simulators in regards to driver training, the technology has been used to create an operational control room environment which has been installed at the Training Academy in Wednesbury.
Anthony Stanley, Head of Operations and Safety at West Midlands Metro, commented: “The Operational Control Centre (OCC) is at the heart of the entire network, and it requires a highly skilled team to ensure our trams run safely and efficiently. They are essentially the air traffic controllers of the light rail world, and need to be able to react safely, quickly and effectively when there is an unexpected incident that could interrupt services or present a safety risk.
“These scenarios can be recreated in the simulator without any disruptions to services, helping to train new and existing members of the team in a controlled environment so they are ready to meet any challenges they may face when working in the real control centre.”
The simulator doesn’t only include the current Metro network but will also model the expanded system, featuring new lines which will open in the coming years.
£90,000 has been invested in the OCC simulator and follows significant work by the LRSSB on the initial development of the technology. It has previously worked in partnership with rail simulator specialists Avansim on successful trials of the system by Edinburgh Trams.
Carl Williams, LRSSB Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted that another tramway is now benefitting from a pioneering project that’s more than proven its worth in further enhancing tramway safety and efficiency. We’re now looking forward to working with even more light rail operators to ensure they benefit from our initial work on this game-changing technology.”