Hitachi Rail and its subsidiary, Perpetuum, have been awarded a contract by Network Rail to develop the first real-time digital solution that monitors and eventually predicts sections of track that affect ride quality and require maintenance.

The monitoring equipment offers major benefits to the railway that include:

• Reducing disruption to passengers and improving safety
• Lessening the risk to track workers and cutting maintenance costs
• Improving the performance of the network and the ride quality of trains
• A further movement towards the development of intelligent rail infrastructure that can predict and plan preventative maintenance

Jim Brewin, Head of UK & Ireland, Hitachi Rail, said:

“Introducing in-service monitoring technology to improve ride quality demonstrates how Hitachi Rail can utilise digital solutions that support track maintenance. This ability to bring train and track together can solve issues for both passengers and train operators.”

Stephanie Klecha, Head of Digital Services, Porterbrook, said:

“Porterbrook is delighted to support Perpetuum’s data-led approach alongside train operators and Network Rail which can deliver a better passenger service across these fleets. This project is a great example of how rolling stock data can improve and enhance the industry’s understanding of track behaviour in the run up to rough ride events. This will enable tailored proactive maintenance to solve this important industry challenge.”