Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for the operation of trains on a rail network, and has particular application in the context of long-haul rail networks. The invention provides a method and system which monitors the progress of a train on a long-haul network, calculates efficient control profiles for the train, and displays driving advice to the train crew. The system calculates and provides driving advice that assists to keep the train on time and reduce the energy used by the train by: (i) monitoring the progress of a journey to determine the current location and speed of the train; (ii) estimating some parameters of a train performance model; (iii) calculating or selecting an energy-efficient driving strategy that will get the train to the next key location as close as possible to the desired time; and (iv) generating and providing driving advice for the driver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for calculating a plan for moving trains on a network that reduces the cost of delays or late running. The invention is useful for timetable development, for real-time dynamic rescheduling of the trains on a network, and for assessing proposed changes to network infrastructure.