Avanti West Coast trialling world first optimisation technology

[AndrewE]

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2026/0...ling-world-first-optimisation-technology.html sounds interesting:

Avanti West Coast has begun trialling a pioneering timetable-optimisation tool, believed to be a world first for the transport industry, aiming to improve reliability during unplanned disruption.

Developed by the Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS), the technology uses advanced data simulation to generate instant timetable recommendations when services are affected by incidents such as speed restrictions, line closures or severe weather.
With a click of a button, operational staff can input key variables and receive fully optimised alternatives designed to keep trains running and minimise disruption for customers.

The system not only supports faster, more informed decision-making, but also enables more accurate passenger information to be shared sooner. Each disruption scenario is saved, creating a library of ready-made response plans to strengthen future resilience.

Which sounds good, I wonder whether we (as passengers) shall be able to see any differences ?

 

[The Planner]

This isnt new. There have been versions of "live graphs" around for a while.

 

[AndrewE]

I wonder what makes it newsworthy then? Maybe "Each disruption scenario is saved, creating a library of ready-made response plans to strengthen future resilience." is code for saying that their staff aren't experienced or clever enough to remember and juggle all the options - or that nowadays it is just too complicated for a person to manage?
Or getting ready to hand the job over to AI?

 

[ChilliSauce]

You watch ...nothing will actually change with Avanti mentality .. Delays north of Carlisle towards Scotland and Avanti will continue to terminate very short of destination at Preston their Euston / Glasgow services.

Then more than likely issue a "do not travel notice" for north of Preston. And believe they have provided an "excellent customer service"

 

[edwin_m]

Isn't this just a competitor to the Resonate system that has been operating at Thames Valley Signalling Centre for some years?

 

[Harpo]

It’s a Traffic Management tool, two decades after NR started specification work as part of its Operating Strategy programme which spawned ROCSs and more.

Its been an aspiration for even longer as seen in the full name of ERTMS, ‘European Rail Traffic Management System’ with the signalling bit, ETCS, being a sub-set.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

So is this an NR tool for (eg) Rugby ROC to use rather than Avanti?
You surely need all the WCML trains in the plan, not just 390 and 80x.