The new signalling technology that will be a hallmark of Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel requires comprehensive training and development for the specialist Test Drivers who will work on the initial test site for Communications Based Train Control (CBTC).
The CORYS simulator for the Metro Tunnel Project’s Rail Systems Alliance (RSA) will use an actual X’Trapolis cab delivered to the MTM Training Academy with the internal desk and equipment shipped to CORYS for conversion. The end product will immerse the drivers in a realistic training environment to enable drivers to experience the testing and their interfaces with the new in-cab CBTC signalling.
A week before the simulator was due to undergo its Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), travel restrictions were imposed due to the COVID pandemic, preventing the RSA Operations project team from travelling from Melbourne to Grenoble and posing a significant challenge for the project.
“A collaborative approach by both RSA and CORYS meant a solution was found to keep the project on track, avoiding potentially lengthy delays,” said Paul Owen, RSA’s Operations Integration Manager. “Both sides recognised the need to work together under exceptional and challenging circumstances to ensure safety and efficiency was not compromised.”
Meanwhile, RSA’s project team – Paul Owen and James Campbell – worked from their Melbourne homes overnight due to the time difference between Australia and France. The more complex tasks were streamed live to RSA’s project team, and CORYS provided video and photographic evidence for other tests. The full FAT was robustly reviewed by both parties and completed on schedule.
Post-FAT, work has continued on the CBTC software design for its unique implementation on Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel, and both teams have continued to work collaboratively to ensure delivery times have not been affected.
“The RSA project team are very confident that the outcome for the project was worth the additional time and extra effort,” said Paul Owen. “We really appreciate the work and patience the CORYS team have shown over the recent months in these challenging times”
Picture shows Paul Owen’s home set up in Melbourne to enable remote FAT and CBTC software functionality assessments using the dual 4K images from CORYS, whilst team member James Campbell virtually assessed the instructor station, via Microsoft Teams, running in parallel at the same time.
