To help boost performance, Greater Anglia is now investing in new hi-tech equipment, that is to routinely check the condition of its trains.
Automatic Vehicle Inspection Systems (AVIS) are set to be installed at Orient Way and Southend Victoria sidings and will be able to measure damage and wear to wheels, check the wear on the pantographs which get power from the overhead wires to the train, as well as look at the condition of brake pads and discs and the profile of the train itself.
The equipment, which is part built into the track bed and part installed on a gantry, will also check for damage, loose nuts and high temperatures.
The AVIS system works via remote monitoring. Via a data link o the train maintainer Bombardier, the system feeds back faults that need fixing.
As a result of this, faults can be identified and fixed more quickly and efficiently to help prevent both delays and cancellations.
Surveys and design work have been undertaken at Greater Anglia's Orient Way and Southend maintenance depot sidings.
The proposals are that the AVIS systems is to be installed on the existing carriage wash tracks as AVIS and carriage wash systems both require the full length of the train to pass through them at speeds of three miles per hour.
In the four week period, ending 25 May 2019, Greater Anglia's overall punctuality figure was 93.7%.
What did the officials say?
Greater Anglia Project Manager, Arthur Callan, said,
“We're excited about this new system which will help us further improve performance with our partner, Bombardier Transportation.
“More trains have been running on time this year, but we are continually working to invest in and improve our train maintenance programme so that we can provide the best possible service to customers.”
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I like what Greater Anglia have achieved on doing and to improve better rail services in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire to & from London Liverpool Street. Plus with Network Rail to continue on replacing overhead wires on the Great Eastern Main Line and on the Southend Victoria Line throughout this year and next year. As well Greater Anglia to start using their new rolling stocks (Class 745 & Class 755 Stadler Flirt and Class 720 Bombardier Aventra).