Driver Advisory System (DAS)
Improve speed management and on-time performance while supporting driver safety and decision making
Real-time guidance for every journey
In-cab speed and timing support for drivers
Zelra’s DAS is a single platform that functions in two modes. The first step is standalone DAS, which creates immediate benefits for operators from day one. Connected DAS (C-DAS) is the ultimate destination, where your connected network experiences the fullest safety and performance outcomes.
Your journey from DAS to C-DAS is incremental. It is delivered route-by-route and does not require a platform change, driver retraining, or any disruption to established workflows.
Connected rail in two steps
DAS deployment
DAS is active across your fleet, offering in-cab speed guidance to drivers immediately. Safety and performance benefits flow while your infrastructure for network connection is put in place.
Connected DAS
C-DAS adds live operational data from your Traffic Management Systems. Every train’s journey profile is dynamically recalculated as real-time running conditions change across the connected network.
Reduce energy and emissions
By following DAS guidance on where to apply power, hold, coast, and brake, your drivers consistently complete journeys using less traction energy. Fuel and electricity consumption fall, with a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions. These proven benefits apply across diesel and electric fleets.
- ScotRail recorded annual fuel savings of 5% across nine train classes
- SNCF achieved a 10% reduction in annual traction energy use across its national network
- KiwiRail saved 17 million litres of diesel in five years, with carbon emissions down 15%
Energy is one of the largest controllable costs in train operation, and DAS reduces it without new rolling stock, infrastructure investment, or changes to the timetable.
Discover the impact of standalone DAS
Implementing DAS unlocks a range of immediate benefits across your rail operations.
Speed management
Encountering an unexpected speed restriction is a common cause of overspeeding. DAS presents upcoming and current speed restrictions in the cab, with distance and context. Drivers pace their approach steadily rather than correcting late, with the restriction visible on the driver tablet or screen at the right time during each journey.
Driver safety
DAS is a decision support tool providing clear, timely information about the route ahead. Guidance is presented in a glanceable format within the cab as the journey progresses, increasing the driver's situational awareness which reduces stress and cognitive workload. DAS acts purely as an advisory aid, with the driver always retaining full authority over the train.
Right time running
DAS uses a physics-based algorithm to calculate an optimal journey profile from route topography, planned timetable, speed limits, train performance characteristics, and live GPS positioning. Drivers following this advice have greater confidence about approaching signals and stations on schedule. As a result, passengers enjoy services that run to time, and operators benefit from more consistent performance against KPIs.
Consistent driving
Every driver receives the same advice for the same service, based on the timetable, route characteristics, and train performance data. Variation between individuals, shifts, and traction types narrows over time. DAS supports route learning for trainee drivers, who gain a reliable source of in-cab support alongside their developing route knowledge.
Predictable maintenance
Smoother power and brake application reduces wear on traction and braking systems. Component wear becomes more consistent across the fleet, and less dependent on individual driving style. This supports longer component life and makes maintenance planning more predictable, although the scale of the effect varies by fleet and route.
Reporting and analytics
Each journey generates data on the advice given, the speed profile achieved, and adherence to plan. Operators can review performance at route, fleet, or service level, and apply the same data to driver coaching and development. Those who use it actively see the greatest benefit.
