Zelra’s DAS takes a human-centred approach to speed management

The Driving Advice System technology improves driver safety and addresses train overspeeding while helping operators achieve sustainability targets.

Zelra’s Driving Advice System (DAS) is a single technology solution that delivers multiple benefits. It enhances driver safety through in-cab decision support, reduces train overspeeding by improving speed management, and helps operators achieve their decarbonisation KPIs through reduced energy use.

Managing Director of Zelra, Michael Zink, said DAS is designed around the realities of operating a train: what drivers can see, and what they need to anticipate.

“Zelra’s human-centred approach ensures DAS can enhance safety, situational awareness, and sustainability for freight and passenger services across complex networks,” he said.

Cutting emissions at SNCF

One of Zelra’s clients, the French state rail operator SNCF, uses Zelra’s DAS as part of a large-scale initiative to decarbonise its rail operations. Traction energy usage accounts for 22 per cent of SNCF’s total emissions, so its drivers are trained in what the operator refers to as ‘eco driving’.

“These driving techniques, including adjusting speed profiles to terrain and lifting off the power earlier, are supported and enhanced at scale by Zelra’s DAS technology,” Mr Zink said. “The outcome for SNCF has been an impressive 10 per cent reduction in annual traction energy consumption across the national rail network.

“This saves millions of euros in energy costs every year and accelerates SNCF’s progress toward achieving its target of a 26 per cent reduction in CO2e by 2030. Zelra is proud to play a part in their success.”

Improving driver safety

Mr Zink explained that other rail operators using Zelra’s DAS can expect to achieve energy efficiency and fuel cost savings on a similar scale to those realised in France. However, he added that UK and European operators are increasingly seeing DAS as a valuable tool for improving rail safety through optimised speed management.

“Our DAS is fundamentally a driver aid. It supports drivers’ safety and decision making by placing clear, timely guidance in front of them when they need it. Presenting upcoming restrictions and junction speeds in advance, along with distance and context, helps drivers to pace approaches steadily rather than correcting late.

“The in-cab advice adapts to route conditions, so choosing to follow it improves speed management and consistency by reducing unnecessary braking and acceleration.

“As a result, drivers have greater confidence about approaching speed restrictions, signals, and stations at the right time and speed. This decreases the number of red signals and conflicts encountered, in turn reducing instances of hard braking at a signal or speeding up to chase the timetable.”

DAS and speed restrictions

Encountering an unexpected speed restriction can contribute significantly to overspeeding. The consequences are serious. Ineffective speed management is a recognised risk factor associated with safety events including signals passed at danger, station overruns, and missed signals.

DAS reduces this risk by improving drivers’ situational awareness. The technology provides in-cab visibility of upcoming speed restrictions and route context at the right time during each journey.

“As well as creating immediate benefits for current drivers, Zelra’s DAS facilitates better route learning for trainees by providing them with a consistent and reliable source of speed information,” Mr Zink explained.

“The system also improves safety outcomes for track worker sites, level crossings, and during track possessions because train speeds in these areas can be managed more effectively.”

Mr Zink emphasised that DAS is an advisory tool operating within the envelope of safety critical advice provided by ETCS and digital signalling systems. “DAS is aligned with ETCS to ensure there are no mixed messages regarding speed restrictions or braking curves,” he concluded.

To learn more about Zelra’s DAS visit www.zelra.com.