ERTMS in The Netherlands

The Operational Knowledge Centre ERTMS (OKE) aims to involve users in the preparation and implementation of ERTMS in the Netherlands. By testing ERTMS user processes with railway employees for situations where ERTMS is in use, the system can be tested to ensure that it really works in the future.

In the twelfth edition of the ERTMS OKE Talkshow “I User Processes”, viewers are taken into the world of ERTMS user processes. In an interview with Jos Schoenmaker (project manager at ProRail ICT), the SiGMaT project is discussed, in which the EOSS (ERTMS Development Simulation Suite) simulation environment is used to perform system analyses to test ERTMS user processes.

Jos Schoenmaker outlines the SiGMaT project’s objective of connecting the world of train drivers and dispatchers by simulating user processes. The project entails a collaborative effort among experts from various carriers, OKE, ProRail, and four external parties, with InControl being one of them.

The FRISO application forms the simulation core, simulating systems to be developed and expanded in the ERTMS field. By combining the train driver and dispatcher’s worlds, the simulation can closely mirror reality.

The key benefit of simulation is that it allows for a thorough evaluation of the proposed ERTMS implementation, enabling stakeholders to assess its feasibility and identify any issues and challenges beforehand.

Watch the full episode here, please note that the talk show is in Dutch:

How do you know each other?
Dick: “As a Model Development program manager, I am involved in the development of simulation models and optimization issues. ProRail has a long history in simulations, but our software was not well equipped for the increasingly complex developments. Years ago, when we were looking for a more flexible system with more options, we ended up with a platform developed by InControl.”

Joris: “I joined later, in 2006 I believe, when I became responsible for simulation models for rail, among other things, as team manager Public Transport.”

Which simulation(s) are you currently working on?
Joris: “Currently we are involved in a major project in which we have recreated the ERTMS user processes in a simulator. The aim is to validate those processes and improve communication between the train driver and train traffic controller. The simulator simulates the train service in a kind of 3D environment in which the railway system is modelled.”

Dick: “It is therefore about testing whether we have thought it through properly, not yet about training the people who will work with it. That will come later.”

Can you describe the purpose of the collaboration?
Dick: “Our goal is to visualize and experience the future of rail in an efficient way, and to gain insight into that complexity.”

Joris: “Yes, so testing and developing things together. That is also the power of simulation. A good example is that after such a session we received feedback from drivers and train controllers: ‘Well, I will never do that in practice.'”

Dick: “Or vice versa: ‘This scenario is not good; can we still adjust it?’ I thought that was a good lesson. So, it works both ways. This is how we improve practice.”

Joris: “And that makes us very happy!”

Do you also encounter bottlenecks and if so: how do you solve them?
Dick: “Yes, my work is a fun, but challenging puzzle. That requires chemistry in the collaboration and making use of each other’s qualities.”

Joris: “ProRail sometimes asks us challenging questions. For example: develop a mathematical optimization algorithm for Automatic Train Operation. Then it is quite exciting whether we can also deliver that.”

Dick: “It usually leads to good results. Or it may not be well received now, but it will later. Then we are ahead of our time.”

What do you think is necessary for good cooperation? And do you see that back together?
Dick: “Honesty, clarity, an open attitude, do what you say.”

Joris: “Yes, Dick is indeed open and clear. There is also room for creativity, which is also important to me.”

Dick: “Joris does what he promises. And he not only surprises me with his in-depth substantive knowledge but can also explain that not everything I want as a client is relevant.”

Joris: “Dick also has a lot of knowledge and asks critical questions. And he can convince people. I think Dick is a real ambassador. The best part is when we enthusiastically tell others about what we do!”

Finally: Are you both on good terms with each other? Why?
Dick: “Certainly, because neither of us is afraid to compromise a little if necessary.”

Joris: “Then we try to create more space for each other.”

Dick: “So that in the end more people can join us and benefit from our efforts.”

Abbreviations:
* ERTMS: European Rail Traffic Management System
* ATO: Automatic Train Operation
* TMS: Traffic Management System

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