Bruce

BRUCE is a system which brings modern technology into the train cab to assist drivers in their daily tasks and so improve the rail service.

BRUCE consists of a handheld personal computer with a colour display running programs which use GPS (Global Positioning System - a card which receives satellite signals to compute the trains position to within 10 yards), a GSM card using the mobile phone network to communicate with the depot, and a GPRS card to provide connection to the Internet allowing fast transfer of data to each driver.

BRUCE has been designed with the help of Train Drivers and the Train Operating Companies (TOCs).to bring about improvements in:

· The information and support services available to Train Drivers;

· The speed, accuracy and appropriateness of communications between Drivers, the TOC and the Customers;

· the supply of accurate and timely information for TOC Managers to react to operational problems and help the drivers to improve service.

The BRUCE system removes the need for drivers to collect and sort out documents before starting work as all information necessary is loaded onto his Bruce computer. Only notices that are relevant to the driver are loaded. During the journey the driver is able to report any events such as stoppages, line conditions, equipment failure, graffiti and receive messages from the depot passed on from other trains.

BRUCE will bring many benefits as well as improving drivers’ working conditions and speeding the circulation of information to improve the service to passengers.

Rotherfield Peppard (RP) provides the Bruce computers and the specialised software used in them and manages the communications with the RP central server and its complementary software, voice and data links with the TOC’s systems plus implementation and day-to-day support.

In outline, the benefits of using the BRUCE facilities include:

· Better quality working life of Train Drivers through improved information and communications.

· Improved routine train performance management and customer service by providing TOC management with:

· Immediate and precise information on train movements, on and off schedule;

· Accurate and timely Driver reporting and attribution of the causes of delays;

· ‘As it happens’ vehicle fault reporting;

· Means to communicate current network and service information to Drivers;

· Faster recovery from operational disruption;

· Operations managers to communicate plan changes to Drivers in the cab;

· Drivers to accept and work immediately to the plan changes rather than having to report physically to Control to receive them.

· Improved Customer Service through Drivers having accurate information to impart to them.

· Reduction in the cost of, and greater accuracy in, the distribution of Notices and Manuals to Drivers.