Project Description
Parsons is providing systems engineering expertise to Network Rail’s National European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Programme (NEP) Team. Parsons is part of a joint industry team comprising Network Rail (NR), Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), Arriva Trains Wales and Angel Trains.
ERTMS is a cab-based signaling and train control system which Europe is mandating through Interoperability Regulations and Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) to standardize its rail signal control systems and enable interoperability across Europe.
ERTMS represents a major change for the UK mainline railway and to ensure that the capacity, performance and safety benefits of the technology are fully realized, Network Rail is working to define the requirements for its application in the UK.
This generic application work is now well advanced, and a trial system is planned to be deployed on the Cambrian Lines in Wales to further de-risk a UK national program.
Parsons expertise in the management and specification of train control systems has been instrumental in the development of the strategic specifications and the engineering management of the feasibility phase of the project. Parsons developed the System Engineering Management Framework outlining the principles of the Systems Engineering process for the program and provided technical expertise to help develop the following areas:
- Migration strategy – how to move seamlessly to the new system at costs lower than for simple asset renewal;
- Verification and Validation Strategy – making sure the ERTMS system is fit for purpose; and
- System Requirements Analysis and Capture to ensure the fit with UK business led requirements.
Currently Parsons is managing the safety assurance work within the NEP covering:
- Liaison with key industry bodies (Department for Transport, Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate, RSSB, ATOC and NR) to develop the safety approval process in accordance with the European Interoperability Regulations and UK Railway Safety Regulations (ROGS);
- Development of remits for the Notified Bodies and Independent Safety Assessors;
- Development and application of the Engineering Safety Management System;
- Implementation of the Engineering Safety Management and Analysis Processes;
- Hazard identification and management;
- Safety Requirements identification;
- Safety target setting;
- Apportionment of safety requirements and targets; and
- Development of safety arguments to support the design phase.
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