Towards a sustainable digital railway

H. Steele, C. Roberts

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Digital technologies provide an opportunity for the rail sector to achieve social, economic and environmental sustainability, if implemented correctly. Unlocking the full potential of technology, however, will require significant changes beyond the technological. Physical assets will need to link with digital assets, making best use of data, simulation and modelling. Transformational leadership informed by systems engineering will be necessary to deliver the change process required to innovate across the whole railway life cycle. Each of these digital railway elements – technology, data, simulation, transformational leadership and systems engineering – presents challenges to be overcome. The authors believe that by instilling core values alongside technical expertise, by being open, resilient, responsive, customer-centric and valuing people, the digital railway has the power to transform the sector. It will enable improved railway processes; safer, faster and more reliable trains; better customer experience; cost-effectiveness; and reduced carbon emissions and more. The digital railway will not just realise the current vision but form the foundation for a sustainable railway to meet changing mobility needs well beyond 2050.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSustainable Railway Engineering and Operations
EditorsSimon Blainey, John Preston
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited
Chapter14
Pages239-263
Number of pages25
ISBN (Electronic)9781839095887, 9781839095900
ISBN (Print)9781839095894
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Aug 2022

Publication series

NameTransport and sustainability
PublisherEmerald
Volume14
ISSN (Print)2044-9941
ISSN (Electronic)2044-995X

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