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The driver of the S11 in the direction of Aarau looks concentrated from the driver’s cabin. Without a word, he presses buttons, operates controls, accelerates or brakes. It is not allowed to talk to other people while driving. To the left of the fixture is an iPad. All information about the current train journey can be viewed on the screen. Another one was added in April: He can now see exactly how punctual his train departs, down to the second.
“We are now one minute and 23 seconds late,” Markus Kröpfli (63) tells Blick. It is also a few meters behind the driver’s cabin in the 2nd class. Kröpfli is also a train driver. But since he is not driving, he is allowed to speak. He also has an iPad. The numbers are then constantly updated. A little while later, there’s already another thirty seconds left.
Advanced system for three years
SBB innovation expands measures that have been in use for three years: In 2020, SBB introduced the vPRO system. It creates an adapted travel profile for each train journey approximately two hours before departure. Switches, construction sites or train stations: a recommended speed is calculated for each section of the route. The train should brake or accelerate as little as possible. As a result, train passengers arrive at their destination more efficiently, that is, on time, and at the same time save energy.
As the train network grows, SBB needs to become more affordable. On the right track thanks to measures like vPRO: the energy consumption of the route network has been reduced by four percent over the past 13 years – but today 15 percent more trains are running.
Where technology no longer knows how to progress
“Before 2020, train drivers only had maximum track speed and available travel time,” explains Roland Aeschbacher, project manager for energy efficiency. Therefore, each train driver had to approach the most suitable driving style himself. This was not good for the stability of the entire network. That’s why technology is now taking over this task. “It’s very practical for us train drivers,” says Kröpfli.
The new punctuality indicator must now also enable train drivers to react to unexpected conditions. There, where technology no longer knows what to do. For example, if rain on the tracks causes slower acceleration, a quick fix is possible. It is also possible to react in long passenger transfers or technical malfunctions.
Germans are jealous
One of the journalists reviewing the new SBB vehicle on Thursday morning was from Germany. The radio reporter from Südwestrundfunk already knows how envious listeners will be when they hear the news of him. Ask Kröpfli, “Why is punctuality so much more important to you than Deutsche Bahn?” he asks. He smiles embarrassingly.
A little later the train arrives in Aarau. Forty seconds early. “This is good for passengers, but not necessary for us,” says one SBB employee. Because an efficient route network requires precise travel times.
Source :Blick
I’m Tim David and I work as an author for 24 Instant News, covering the Market section. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, my mission is to provide accurate, timely and insightful news coverage that helps our readers stay informed about the latest trends in the market. My writing style is focused on making complex economic topics easy to understand for everyone.
