Rail Consultancy (previously known as RWA Rail) - Capabilities

Network capacity planning and management
Our experienced team plan and manage potential timetable changes or rolling stock introductions using Rules of the Plan (ROTP) analysis. A combination of RailSys data, ROTP values, in-house tools and personal knowledge are combined to assess maximum performance benefit.

Timetable Development
We undertake considerable timetable development work from minor changes through to major recasts using our own train planners, all of whom have considerable experience both as consultants and TOC employees. We use both CMS and RailSys to perform a range of analysis including complex ROTP conflicts, optioneering and platforming.

Timetable performance modelling and planning
RailSys is the primary tool we use to assess performance issues with timetables (current or proposed) and infrastructure configurations, both to recommend changes that could lead to increased punctuality and also to feed into the analysis of overall performance. RailSys works with a very detailed representation of the railway network and is able to simulate timetables in two ways – unperturbed (without delays) and multiple stochastic (delays incorporated) which makes it a very useful tool in predicting any TOCs success.

Rolling Stock Diagramming
Once timetables have been imported and parameters set, our experienced team can produce optimised fleet plans using DISPO in under a minute. This means many different scenarios can be tested rapidly. In addition to the relatively simple single day diagramming problem, we can also produce cyclic diagrams for maintenance planning.

Train Crew Diagramming
Having a wealth of qualified diagrammers in our team enables us to provide resources to deal with major timetable recasts, changing crew terms and conditions, streamlining operations or developing franchise bids. Using our own groundbreaking software, TrainTRACS we consistently identify possible savings that can be gained from more efficient diagramming, whilst adhering to the all relevant national and TOC-specific rules.

Rostering
Using our own in-house rostering software TRACSRoster we undertake consultancy work to develop more efficient rosters, provide quick and easy optioneering for union negotiations and also to provide more accurate figures for franchise bidding. Resources can also be supplied on a temporary basis to TOCs who have a specific peak in workload or train planning staff shortfalls.