Reducing delays at London Underground junctions and termini

This paper summarises the results of the feasibility study carried out by Brown and Root Consulting for the Train Services Support Team of London Underground Limited. This was part of the initiative to develop short-term business plans for a number of critical stations to reduce delays associated with signalling, crew relief and excessive dwell-times. The background to the Train Services short-term business plan is firstly presented. The value management process, adopted as a bottom-up approach to solution generation, is next outlined. The role of Brown and Root in the process, and the feasibility study methodology employed, is explained. Some specific and generic results of nine station studies are categorised in a number of important areas for improvement. One important generic aspect of the work related to communications between train operators, duty manager trains and signalmen. This human factor issue and the supporting information and communications systems are emphasised in the paper.