From Europe to ANZ: Zelra’s Driving Advice System solutions

Every day, Zelra’s Driving Advice System (DAS) plays a vital role in helping thousands of passengers move safely and efficiently around Europe’s rail networks.

The technology is relied upon by France’s state operator SNCF as well as leading UK passenger rail companies ScotRail, Greater Anglia, and GWR. It is also trusted by New Zealand’s largest freight transport operator, KiwiRail.

Zelra’s DAS is a tool these operators use to maximise train performance and energy efficiency. So how exactly have customers benefitted by implementing the software, and what can operators in Australia and New Zealand learn from these experiences?

Trusted by operators

A compelling reason for adding DAS to your network is that a single technology solution supports multiple valuable outcomes. The five most significant of these are:

Reduced energy costs: greater energy efficiency on each journey is achieved through optimised speed guidance for drivers. This was summed up by the former French Transport Minister, Clément Beaune, speaking about SNCF: “With peaks and troughs of speed, you can still reduce energy consumption. Eco-driving is the solution, saving energy at the same average speed.”

On time running: train performance is improved network-wide by better timetable adherence and smoother driving. As KiwiRail’s DAS driver champion, Adam O’Sullivan, explained: “DAS will have you running slower if there is room within the schedule to do so. This doesn’t mean you’re running late. Once drivers understand this reasoning, it makes the technology much easier to accept.”

Delay attribution: drivers use their in-cab DAS screen or tablet to report delays in real-time at the precise GPS location.

Situational awareness: DAS provides digital access to key information including consist, upcoming stations, ETAs, and much more in a clear and easily accessible format.

Safety and maintenance: better driver information, smoother driving patterns, and reduced risk of SPADs improves safety network-wide and minimises wear-and-tear on trains.

Academic and industry partnership

To understand how Zelra helps operators to achieve these performance outcomes, it is necessary to consider the technology itself. Zelra’s DAS provides real-time advice for driving any type of train, based upon an optimised speed profile developed to achieve the ‘golden run’.

All Driving Advice Systems offer operational guidance to train drivers, but the principles behind them vary considerably. What sets Zelra’s DAS apart is the patented Energymiser algorithm using the optimal speed profile methodology. This is widely recognised as the most effective approach because it considers a larger set of variables than the more basic concepts.

The mathematics underpinning Zelra’s DAS has been developed through 30 years of ongoing train performance research in a partnership with the University of South Australia (UniSA). Led by Professor Peter Pudney, UniSA’s Scheduling and Control Group collaborates with Zelra’s Research and Development team to refine physics-based solutions that allow for timetable, track geometry, train characteristics, speed profile, and train position.

This pioneering partnership combines academic rigour with rail industry expertise to drive real innovation in rail technology.

The Unify technology platform

What about operators in Australia and New Zealand who want to create added value on their networks through digital transformation? Zelra’s Unify system has a lot to offer.

Unify is the technology platform that enables rail businesses to identify and maximise efficiencies across their operations, with a suite of modules – including DAS – that can be added as necessary to meet their requirements.

Implementing Unify unlocks some of the important benefits associated with the DAS solution including reports and analytics insights, better driver awareness, enhanced safety and maintenance outcomes, and delay attribution through user friendly graphical displays.

Crucially, Unify also enables operators to calculate the savings they could achieve if they chose to deploy DAS, and identify their routes that are in the greatest need of improvement.

C-DAS and Junction Scheduler modules

Other optional modules which can be added to the Unify platform to enhance efficiencies and connectivity are the Connected DAS (C-DAS) and Junction Scheduler.

C-DAS enables trains to communicate with one another in real time via an external system such as the Traffic Management System. The network is managed so conditions, conflicts, or adjustments are applied to every train. The software responds proactively to congestion, speed restrictions, or other inputs with dynamic updates based on live information.

For operators who prioritise the movement of large amounts of traffic through key timing locations, the Junction Scheduler module can constantly re-plan connected train movements at a junction or series of junctions so that potential conflicts are resolved in real-time. Junction occupancy intervals are allocated to ensure trains are spaced with appropriate headways, then revised arrival times are calculated and the in-cab driving advice is updated.

Valuable learnings for ANZ operators

The application of Zelra’s DAS technology in the UK and France has created valuable learnings for operators in Australia and New Zealand who are considering the solution’s benefits. Zelra’s Managing Director, Michael Zink, said it is interesting to note that two of his company’s largest European customers view DAS in quite different ways.

“For many years SNCF in France and ScotRail in the UK have relied upon our DAS as an integral part of their day-to-day operations,” Mr Zink said. “ScotRail uses DAS in its fleet right across Scotland, while SNCF has implemented DAS on an even greater scale as France’s national rail operator.

“Both companies enjoy significant fuel cost savings and the improved right time running achieved by DAS driver information. However, for SNCF, their main DAS priority is energy optimisation across France’s electrified network. This contrasts with ScotRail, whose drivers value the safety and situational awareness created by knowing exactly where they are on the route and the size of their train,” he said.

“This provides validation for operators in ANZ that DAS is sufficiently versatile to be used as a tool that can meet their organisation’s unique requirements.”

Mr Zink noted that an enquiry he hears frequently from interested operators is how DAS will impact their signalling infrastructure. He is happy to set the record straight.

“DAS does not introduce any additional safety issues,” he said. “It is important to emphasise that DAS is an advisory tool which operates entirely within the envelope of safety critical advice provided by ETCS and digital signalling systems. It is aligned with ETCS to ensure there are no mixed messages regarding SPADs or train spacing.”

Another common question relates to objections from some drivers, or unions, about being told how to drive.

“Our Unify platform does not advise the driver how to operate their train. Instead it provides contextual route information in the cab that supports situational awareness. This is information chosen to help them drive safely, such as speed limits, ETAs, next station display, level crossing locations, braking patterns, SPAD locations, and even trespasser points.”

He also mentioned Zelra’s ability to support rail expansion projects, such as Queensland’s Cross River Rail or the Sunshine Coast Rail Line, by helping drivers adjust to new routes and stopping patterns.

“This is because advisory systems like Unify or DAS improve situational awareness, which is particularly important on new and unfamiliar routes. Empowering drivers with this real-time information helps to reduce safety incidents and SPADs.”

Start the conversation

Zelra’s DAS helps European rail companies ensure their passengers arrive safely and on time. This proven record of success meets the needs of operators on this side of the globe too. Want to start a conversation about how DAS can be applied to your network? Zelra’s team of industry experts are ready to discuss the possibilities so get in touch with