The railway industry especially in signalling design is constantly evolving and Eulynx is at the forefront of this evolution.
It is well documented that Network Rail need to develop tools to reduce the cost of signalling in order to make the railway infrastructure sustainable and affordable. One significant challenge to this has been where the cost and volume of future signalling renewals is unsustainable. So, over the next 15 years Network Rail need to deliver an increase of over 50% of signalling renewal works at half the current price. This is where Eulynx and other digital technologies fit in.
So, what is Eulynx?
“Eulynx is a collective of railway Infrastructure Managers, all collaborating together and united by a common purpose: to reduce the lifecycle costs of signalling systems whilst standardising all the interfaces & elements involved & maintaining the highest levels of safety and operation efficiency.
So, How Can Eulynx Help?
Mainline signalling systems are fundamental to the safe and efficient operation of modern railways, directing traffic and keeping trains apart to prevent collisions. Future signalling
systems also have a role to play in increasing capacity on the network, which is already constrained, by allowing more trains to run safely. These systems comprise a number of separate sub-systems, including: (i) interlockings, which are the principal safety critical component of mainline rail signalling systems; (ii) automatic train protection (ATP) systems, including both wayside systems (installed alongside the track) and on-board units (OBUs) (installed on mainline rolling stock), which ensure that trains comply with the instructions issued by the interlockings and that they travel at appropriate speeds; and (iii) operation and control systems (OCS), which are IT solutions designed to ensure the overall management of railway networks.
The TCSF (Network Rail’s Train Control Systems Framework) will be the procurement framework through which Network Rail procures all major signalling projects – legacy and digital projects – for the next two control periods: CP7 (2024–2029) and CP8 (2029- 2034). This framework will include resignalling, relocking, renewals, recontrols & conversions to European Train Control System (ETCS) level 2 digital signalling.
Working alongside Network Rail’s TCSF is Target 190plus. This a Network Rail Research & Development Program that looks at the sustainability of the signalling systems on the network and all the challenges that these bring. One of its primary aims is to reduce the current whole life cost of signalling from a unit rate of £419,000 to the required £190,000 by 2029 to enable for the ETCS Long Term Deployment plan.
Benefits of Using Eulynx
Eulynx reduces the cost of implementing new railway systems whilst also enhancing safety and reliability. It also streamlines communications between different rail operators which leads to smoother operations and better passenger experience.
Transitioning to Eulynx
Many UK rail networks are now in the process of transitioning to Eulynx and this involves upgrading existing systems and training staff. The transition may be challenging, but the long-term benefits are worth it including improving efficiency and safety whilst also saving money.
Future of Eulynx
Eulynx is set to revolutionize the railway industry & it will create a more connected and efficient network. As more rail networks adopt Eulynx, the industry will continue to see significant improvements. Eulynx is also paving the way for a more integrated and sustainable future whilst providing a standardised approach to operational innovation and efficiency.
Embracing Eulynx is key to staying ahead in the competitive railway signalling design industry.