PASSENGERS can expect to see more trains on the railways and fewer breakdowns when a high-tech upgrade is made to current monitoring systems, rail bosses have said
Wireless sensors are to be fitted to ScotRail Alliance's fleet, ending the requirement to replace wheel bearings every 600,000 miles whether they need it or not.
Instead, the vital parts will be refitted when the sonsors detect a problem, meaning and end to unnecessary maintenance.
A spokeswoman for Scotrail said that the UK-developed system could extend should deliver a 25 per cent increase the time trains can stay on the tracks before having to be worked on.
The 'Perpetuum' sensors are mounted onto the wheel bearing cover, where they capture data and transmit to a data concentrator. A
Track officials can also see information which pinpoints changes in condition of the track, allowing prompt repair and subsequently lessening damage to the train wheels.
Similar technology is already used in aviation for passenger aircraft.
ScotRail Alliance’s fleet director Angus Thom said: “Keeping our trains out on the tracks, delivering a safe and efficient rail service is essential to our operation. This technology helps our maintenance teams make informed and timely decisions around monitoring repairs and potential problems, so keeping our 334 fleet in optimal operating condition.”
Perpetuum’s chief executive Dr Steve Turley said: “If fleet managers know what condition a train is in they don’t spend time and budget putting it through an unnecessary upkeep and repair programme. ‘Condition-based’ maintenance means that trains spend more time on the track and improved customer service.”
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