The use of virtual reality to boost safety on UK tramways is set to take a major step forward thanks to the evolution of a pioneering accident and incident reporting system. The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) are now using data which has identified the most common hazards faced by tram drivers on networks across the country to shape enhancements to tram simulator software.
The upgrades to the software are being developed and installed by Avansim, a company that already provides simulator technology to most UK light rail systems, including London Trams, West Midlands Metro, Manchester Metrolink, Nottingham Express Transit and Edinburgh Trams. The project is being funded by the LRSSB.
LRSSB Chief Executive, Carl Williams, said: “Simulators are widely used to assess and improve hazard awareness, but now they’re set to become even more realistic thanks to planned upgrades based on real-world experience.
“This investment in virtual reality technology is also designed to emphasise training messages that address the most significant risks relating to driver performance that have been identified by LRSSB modelling and events logged in our pioneering Tram Accident and Incident Reporting System (TAIR).”
“The initiative is part of a wider push toward competency-based assessment and training that has already delivered a major boost for light rail safety.”
Ian Rowe, Avansim Director, added: “We’re delighted to be able to provide additional tools for all LRSSB members that currently use our simulators.
“As a result of this collaboration, we can help operators address the highest risks through kinaesthetic training – which relies on learning by doing – in the safety of a simulated environment.
“The new ‘events’, which include tram surfing, vehicle derailment, collision with mobile maintenance equipment and inadequate vegetation management will be rolled out to all users as part of their annual software update process, and we expect them all to be installed over the next 12 months.”