LRSSB project driving tramway crossing safety
Involving light rail operators, owners, academics and commercial businesses, the LRSSB’s ‘Safer Tram Crossings’ initiative has seen the development of a new system that relies on track vibrations to alert pedestrians of an approaching tram.
Advanced modelling by the organisation identified collisions at NMU crossings as a leading risk to tramway safety, providing the strategic rationale for exploring innovative interventions capable of reducing that risk.
Craig O’Brien, LRSSB Head of Engineering Safety and Innovation at the LRSSB, explained: “Our initial research identified pioneering ‘VibeSafe’ tram detection-technology, developed by a private company, Efficiency Ups, as a possible solution and then on an extensive research collaboration that has brought together expertise from the private sector, academia and network operators.
“In addition to providing funding for the project, the LRSSB has helped support and guide the research and testing of the system capable of providing a 30-second warning of an approaching tram at crossings.”
Reducing costs
Easy to set up and relatively low cost, the technology uses track vibrations to trigger alerts. Unlike many existing warning systems, VibeSafe has been designed to be lightweight, portable, quick to install and capable of operating using alternative power sources.
“These characteristics significantly reduce deployment costs and enable use at remote or temporary locations where conventional infrastructure-based solutions may not be proportionate,” Craig continued.
“Another unique aspect of VibeSafe is a continuous system validation function that injects a ‘heartbeat’ vibration into the rail, with sensors continuously checking that it is operating as it should.
“Because this assessment is almost continuous, the system always knows it is able to detect a train or tram, or that it has failed. Given that a high-speed train is detectable over 30 seconds from the sensor, the continuous evaluation cycle ensures the system always delivers timely alerts.
“This innovative study will drive further research and development into new products that look set to deliver another major boost for tramway safety. The project has also benefitted from an increased focus on establishing new safety standards and refining the technology for real-world applications
Craig O’Brien, LRSSB Head of Engineering Safety and Innovation
Although the proposed system was based on sound foundations, initial trials were required to provide ‘proof of concept’, and these were carried out with the help of Sheffield Supertram.
At the same time, the LRSSB funded state-of-the-art cameras and utilised AI technology to assess whether active warning interventions could influence pedestrian behaviour and provide an additional layer of safety at selected crossings.
Independent operation
Craig said: “The initial tests in Sheffield proved a resounding success, showing that the VibeSafe technology is not only highly reliable but also able to operate independently of other safety systems, a critical factor in its potential for widespread implementation. They have also laid the groundwork for more advanced testing on other light rail systems across the UK.”
A recent demonstration of the technology for Transport for London, which recently joined the project, saw 100% of attempted tram detections successfully recorded on the Tramlink system. This has enabled engineers to firmly establish that the system delivers consistent warnings at key crossing points, demonstrating long-term viability of the technology as a cost-effective safety solution.
Technical performance
Metrolink in Manchester is the latest network to join the project and will host further testing of the technology. The UK’s largest tram system was chosen as its existing AI-enabled camera infrastructure provides a unique opportunity to capture objective behavioural data before and after deployment. This allows researchers to measure whether the intervention produces genuine behavioural change rather than relying solely on technical performance.
Meanwhile, researchers from University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd are working on accelerating the development of prototype equipment as the project enters an exciting new phase that focuses on establishing the most effective way to use the system to alert pedestrians of approaching trams. Methods under consideration include audio alarms, visual signals, or a combination of both, to deliver a proportionate alternative to major infrastructure-led mitigations.
“From the start of the project, this collaborative approach has enabled trials to assess the technology in a ‘real world’ environment. This has ensured the next phase of VibeSafe testing takes into account a wide range of other factors, including user distractions, environmental variability, and different crossing layouts. It also aims to embrace human factors associated with NMU crossings and explore the complex interactions between infrastructure and pedestrians,” Craig added.
“It is fantastic to see that the Light Rail Sector are investing in innovative technology that improves public safety - enabling people to make safe decisions about their use. We are absolutely thrilled to be part of this journey with LRSSB and are determined to develop the technology to meet the needs of the sector and the end user - the public.”
Jason Molyneux, Managing Director at Efficiency Ups Ltd
Safer Tram Crossings initiative key points:
● Delivering ‘real world’ solutions to safety risks
● Cross-sector collaboration
● Working in partnership with private companies
● Driving innovation in light rail
● Utilising new technologies, including AI
● Expert analysis and evaluation of technology trials
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