South West Trains is to become the latest train operator in the UK to employ a driver advisory system (DAS) across its fleet.
The technology, which is being developed by ESG and Denmark’s Cubris, is designed to not only improve punctuality and energy consumption but also help reduce headways and increase capacity.
Installation of the system is due to start in May. Class 158/9, 458, 444 and 450 trains will all be equipped with DAS. The system will be initially trialled on the West of England lines in the autumn and is expected to be fully operational next year.
Although not the first application of DAS on the UK rail network, it is the first time this particular system has been used outside of Denmark.
Go-Ahead and Arriva have both invested in DAS in a bid to improve reliability and energy efficiency.
