TRANSPENNINE

Class 185 Remote Condition Monitoring Project – Unlocking digital potential

The Class 185 fleet was introduced into service on the TransPennine network by Eversholt Rail, Siemens Mobility and First Group in 2006. It is established as a flagship fleet in the north of England.

Recognising it is a high value fleet, critical to the TransPennine route, all three parties agreed a smarter utilisation of data would support further fleet development. It was recognised that remote condition monitoring could leverage the inherent built-in monitoring capability of the fleet. Allowing real time transmission of data from train-borne sensors to generate actionable insights to better manage fleet performance and operation.

To successfully deliver the technology and embed the process change, a digital transformation journey was started. The scope and philosophy required a data backbone which was developed collaboratively between the three parties, and Siemens global development partners.

The project

Project delivery started in Spring 2021, with hardware installation completed in late summer 2022 and final acceptance testing forecast to complete Spring 2023.

Delivering a significant connectivity upgrade, unlocking and transmitting data in real time from the Multi-Vehicle-Bus (MVB), On-Train-MonitoringRecorder (OTMR), engine Controlled Area Network (CAN) and the braking system.

“The digital solution has allowed the teams to get direct updates on each train and how it is performing, including any areas that need to be prioritised for maintenance. It allows us to see how individual vehicles are doing as well as get an accurate picture across the whole fleet, ensuring these 20-year-old trains can continue to perform at such a high standard and give the best passenger experience has been a real team effort across Siemens Mobility, TransPennine Express and Eversholt Rail.”

Sambit Banerjee, Managing Director of Rolling Stock and Customer Services for Siemens Mobility in the UK

The technology allows users to set rules and algorithms to automate maintenance interventions, unlocking an array of efficiencies. It also democratises data, providing visibility and the ability to manipulate data; allowing technicians, depot managers and operational personnel to design their own dashboards and reports.

Key benefits unlocked include:

Asset Owner – the project enhances the fleet’s capabilities and attractiveness to the current and future customers.

• Maintainer – the project unlocks maintenance efficiencies at a depot level, improving maintenance

“I am very pleased to see Railigent applied to the Class 185 fleet. It is a first class remote condition management and data / decision management system and brings the diagnostic capabilities that we can apply to the Class 185s up to date with newer fleets. It will give colleagues in the Class 185 team from depots, the control room and the network access to exceptional information about the train so that they can respond effectively and quickly to issues that arise, reducing delays and disruption to a minimum. Data from this platform can also be used to support network wide performance and safety improvement work. All in all, the immense value of the Railigent deployment into the Class 185 trains and supporting production systems cannot be overstated.”

Paul Staples, Fleet, Safety and Service Delivery Director at TransPennine Express

planning and delivery, and enhances Siemens capabilities to support the operator, delivering a maintenance cost reduction.

• Operator – the project provides enhanced in-service performance, improved customer satisfaction, and supports targeting best-in-class reliability.

Key enablers include:

A tripartite vision, collaboration and early buy-in ensured the technology was developed to unlock value for all.

• Approaching as a “change project” focussing not only on technology but also on deployment and cultural change within the depot.

Product champions coalition team established to maintain customer focus throughout technology roll out.

The project is now entering the monitoring and benefits realisation phase. The outputs of which will inform development of the technology platform to unlock further value for our customers and passengers.

“I am looking forward to seeing the benefits of this investment and how it will enhance the C185 fleet for the future. Working collaboratively with our valued partners, Siemens and TPE, deploying this technology is the natural next step to take to optimise maintenance and reduce the cost of operation.”

Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director for Eversholt Rail

CONTACT:

Wendy Allington wendy.allington@eversholtrail.co.uk 07788924352

Luca Fracassi luca.fracassi@siemens.com

07921246059

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