Peer review: Jason Pearce
Chief Executive, ADComms
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Uncertainty is a key risk for business planning. Thus, the political continuity which is guaranteed as a result of the Conservatives’ election victory can only support the industry’s aspirations as it prepares to build the world-class infrastructure we will need. I’m delighted in particular that the Government has taken action to bring in legislation to enable work to start on HS2 by 2017 - I look forward to seeing Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin’s next step on pushing expansion of this programme out across the UK, and in introducing faster regional services. |
HS2 is a strong commercial project that will create significant growth outside of London and stimulate prosperity across the country. It will prove key to triggering safer and better ways of working, as well as industry improvements on the ongoing management of rail infrastructure. HS2 will also have the opportunity to bring about a much more effective and safer rail operating environment, and deliver an improved customer experience for passengers.
Politically, the current focus for HS2 is in ensuring foundations are laid to start work from a civils perspective - and rightly so. But the role of telecoms and technological improvements in HS2 delivery should not be underestimated. As the main build plans progress, the industry needs to decide how it wishes to use the technology available by engaging with key integrators.
These conversations need to happen early in the process. If the technical structure underpinning HS2 isn’t fit for purpose once installed, future connectivity may be compromised. Building the right connectivity platforms to enable technologies to work with the new infrastructure is crucial.
Additionally, we should not forget our rail infrastructure will need to interact more in future with other transport sectors. We need to consider technology upgrades for HS2 in line with those planned across the UK’s metro, road and air links to create a seamless connectivity experience for customers.
HS2 will revolutionise working practices across the industry and brings the opportunity to deliver safety improvements. Technology will enable the trackside worker to receive crucial safety information faster and more regularly, but also provide more robust working practices which automate processes that can be compromised by human error.
Once constructed, HS2 will have technology built in to reduce the costs to maintain and manage assets, while increasing the safety and capacity of the network. We’re already seeing this happen as the industry transitions to ETCS (European Train Control System). But this also extends to remote monitoring, remote maintenance, and targeted maintenance regimes based around critical assets on the network.
Agreeing on a specific technological plan of action is not an easy task. With a 20-year delivery programme, it’s certain that what is available on the technology front will evolve over this period. However, it’s crucial that an environment is created in which the industry can recognise the role that technology can play. As the technology debate evolves, it will only be through true industry collaboration that the HS2 vision can be achieved.
