New survey on Driver Advisory Systems

Train drivers are being asked to provide their views on using Driver Advisory Systems (DAS), as part of a university Masters’ research project which itself forms part of the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators’ academic programme.

Users of DAS are being asked what influences them to follow the advice of DAS, and what they perceive to be the benefits and risks of using the technology.

Researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University claim that previous academic research on DAS has tended to focus on improving algorithms and DAS benefits of energy reduction and operational performance. But as those benefits rely on adoption of DAS by users, this user focus has not been researched adequately.

Researcher Martin Ward, who has been competent as a train driver for more than 20 years, said:

“To gain the maximum advantage from DAS, it’s important to get as many users as possible using DAS as much of the time.

“The research is aimed at understanding why someone does or doesn’t follow DAS, what would encourage them to follow it more, and what the benefits are to them as a driver.”

The online survey is available until July 23 at: surveymonkey. co.uk/r/CTSYW9Z