Development of a Part Task Training Tool for drivers of light rail vehicles, a Socio-technical System Development and Change Management Programme

This paper follows on from the paper ‘Developing a Training Simulator for Manchester Metrolink Trams’ that was presented at the Human Factors in Rail Conference in 2013. Since then, following further testing and ongoing... [ view full abstract ]

This paper follows on from the paper ‘Developing a Training Simulator for Manchester Metrolink Trams’ that was presented at the Human Factors in Rail Conference in 2013. Since then, following further testing and ongoing development, the simulator has been successfully introduced to the market as a commercial product.
The simulator has been developed as a Part Task Trainer (as defined by RSSB) and was originally designed to train qualified drivers of rail vehicles on new routes and signalling systems. Subsequent developments have increased its capabilities and this system is now being used to assess potential new drivers, driver performance monitoring, line controller training and signal sighting. The system, known commercially as Tram-Pro, is now implemented for more than 50% of Manchester Metrolink, is being developed for the whole of the Nottingham Tram network and is being assessed by London Underground and several other light rail operators both in the UK and internationally.
The system is PC based and uses the latest gaming technology to create a virtual 3D world that accurately reflects the real world as encountered by rail stakeholders. The system includes precise emulation of signalling, vehicle movements and other operational elements, such as points and recognisable landscapes and landmarks. Scenarios are created involving other rail vehicles, pedestrians and road traffic and are designed to provide immersive kinaesthetic learning in order to improve consistency and quality of training experiences.
The paper will discuss the Socio-technical System approach to the development of the simulator including Training Needs Analysis, the resultant features, the benefits and the assessment of efficacy. The paper will cover concepts such as the ‘Uncanny Valley’ and how this has affected development of the system.
In addition to the development of a technology, the paper also discusses the change management issues encountered and how these are being addressed and managed.