TfL are implementing a new system for the trams which will automatically apply the brakes when they exceeded the speed limit at high risk locations. This will improve safety for the Tram service in South London.
From TfL Press release
New system will automatically bring a moving tram to a controlled stop if exceeding speed limit at high risk locations.
TfL has begun the tender process for the installation of a new safety system on the London Trams network that will automatically apply the brakes should the speed limit be exceeded at high risk locations.
Work began on the feasibility of introducing this system shortly after the tragic overturning of a tram at Sandilands in November 2016, as part of a wider programme that has already seen a permanent speed reduction across the tram network, more speed monitoring, enhanced signage at significant bends, and the installation of a driver protection device that alerts to any incident of fatigue, distraction or speeding.
The new system will automatically bring a moving tram to a controlled stop if it were to exceed the speed limit at a designated location. The system would also automatically alert the operations control centre.
The system will initially be configured to priority locations as suggested by the Rail Accident Investigations Branch (RAIB) but will have the flexibility to be introduced elsewhere on the tram network.
Jonathan Fox, TfL's Director of Rail and Sponsored Services, said: 'Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the tragedy at Sandilands and we continue to do all we can to support them.
'This new braking system is just one of the additional safety measures we have been working continually on for the tram network to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
'We continue to liaise with other tram operators across the country to assist them in addressing the RAIB recommendation for their networks.'
A contract notice has been issued through the Official Journal of the European Journal (OJEU), and TfL is inviting interest from companies who have innovative solutions to meet the specification.
Following the qualification process an official Invitation to Tender will be issued in the summer with the contract due to be awarded by the end of the year.
The ambition is that the system will be installed and in operation by the end of 2019, including a period of training and familiarisation with tram drivers ahead of it becoming fully operational.
Also in the news - TfL have again announced the new signalling system which will be used on the first section of the Circle and Hammersmith & City Line later this summer.
From TfL press release
TfL staff operated and maintained the brand-new Thales signalling system for the first time during a trial this weekend.
The successful trial means customers can begin to benefit from the new signalling on the first section of the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines later this summer.
After extensive testing by Thales, supported by the TfL project team, the trial was the first time that operational Tube staff used the new system, ensuring it can be used safely and reliably later this year.
It involved staff operating six out-of-service trains under the new signalling system between Hammersmith and Latimer Road, which will be the first section to go live.
The project will introduce the new signalling system in stages, and is set to transform nearly half the network when complete in 2023.
Improve reliability, capacity, customer information
This programme, which will greatly improve reliability, capacity and customer information on the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, will ultimately benefit hundreds of thousands of customers every day.
The lines will have more capacity than they currently provide due to an increase in train frequency from 28 to 32 trains per hour in the central London section.
The new, state-of-the-art, control centre for all four lines at Hammersmith has also been completed and is now operational.
The centre brings together operations and asset teams under one roof in order to ensure a smoother and more integrated service and more accurate, up-to-date customer information.
It will replace some of the oldest equipment on the Underground network, including a signal box at Edgware Road that was built in 1926, as part of a project that will make the oldest Underground railway in the world one of the most modern.
Successful trials
Stuart Harvey, TfL's Director of Major Projects, said: 'The new, modern signalling system on these lines will transform our customers' experiences for the better.
'It's hugely exciting that the Hammersmith Service Control Centre is now operational and the successful trials on the first part of the network to operate under the system means we are close to introducing real improvements for our customers on some of the oldest parts of the Tube network.'
Shaun Jones, Vice-President, Transport at Thales in the UK, said: 'The success of the weekend's Operational Proving trial is another significant milestone on this programme that will deliver a world-class transport system for London.
'The progress is testament to the hard work of our highly skilled people, and the way we work together with TfL as one team. Thales's proven technology will ensure more reliable journeys on some of the oldest and most complex parts of the Underground network.'
The Four Lines Modernisation project will finish in 2023, when all four lines are operating completely under the new Thales system.
Services will begin to increase in frequency from 2021, when the central London section of the network has been modernised. The sub-surface lines carry over 1.3 million customers per day.
Customers are already benefitting from more comfortable journeys thanks to the introduction of the S-stock fleet from Bombardier, which feature more spacious, walk-through carriages, wider doors and air conditioning.
Other projects, such as the new Northern and Jubilee line timetables and the opening of the Elizabeth line later this year, will also play their part in enabling more people to use public transport in order to reach the Mayor's target of 80% of journeys made by public transport, cycling or walking by 2041.
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Image attribution
By Spsmiler - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52462219