Four of Britain’s leading rolling stock leasing companies (ROSCOs) have joined forces to support a series of cross-industry research projects led by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). These initiatives are specifically designed to enhance both operational efficiency and safety performance across the entire UK rail industry.
Working together, Angel Trains, Beacon Rail, Eversholt Rail, and Rock Rail have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement establishes a framework for future research, fostering collaboration on long-term topics critical to the rail sector.
The initiative is already underway, with a dedicated forum established to govern the work and co-funding secured for the following key research projects in the first year:
- Enhanced trailing arm bush prototype testing: This innovative new train suspension design aims to reduce costs for the industry by minimising track wear, while simultaneously improving the ride comfort of rail travel.
- Review of alternating current electric rolling stock power limitations: This project seeks to improve system capacity and optimise train performance without the need for major new infrastructure investment.
- Framework for assessment of technologies to deliver reliable braking in low adhesion: This crucial research supports a strategic approach to mitigating the challenging low adhesion conditions that impact rail operations and safety. It will involve enabling the assessment of both new and existing solutions for low adhesion management.
- Improving the assessment of rolling stock crashworthiness: This project focuses on modelling the potential consequences of various collision scenarios – including train-train, train-object, train-buffer collisions, and train derailment – with the ultimate goal of making rail safer.
To bolster these research efforts, the participating ROSCOs are also contributing their valuable expertise, operational evidence, and proprietary data to the projects. The initial research projects are currently ongoing, with expected completion dates in 2025 and 2026.
Richard Walker, RSSB’s Deputy Director Research, commented on the significance of the collaboration: ‘These four important research projects, collaboratively funded for the first time in partnership with multiple ROSCOs, are going to bring benefits to the whole rail industry. The commitment from our partners, Angel Trains, Rock Rail, Eversholt Rail, and Beacon Rail, shows the ROSCOs’ dedication to supporting improvements to GB rail. Enhanced safety, increased frequency, and reliable train services are essential to meet the expectations of passengers and customers. These projects will make key contributions towards achieving these goals.’
Individual ROSCO leaders also voiced their support:
Matthew Prosser, Asset Management Director, Angel Trains, said: ‘We’re really pleased to be a part of these four important research projects with RSSB. Angel Trains is committed to the success of the UK rail industry, and we look forward to seeing the benefits this research will bring in enhancing rail safety and performance.’
Ross Shepherd, Group Chief Technical Officer, Beacon Rail, said: ‘Beacon is proud to support RSSB’s cutting-edge research that will enhance the safety, environmental performance, and efficiency of the UK’s railway. By investing in innovation today, we are helping to build a more sustainable and resilient transport system for tomorrow.’
Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director, Eversholt Rail, commented: ‘Signing this MOU has set up a means by which the RSSB and the ROSCOS can focus on a variety of topics relating to rail vehicles and their interaction with the infrastructure. This will unlock safety and performance benefits and inform work on future rail technology. Eversholt Rail is proud to be working in collaboration on these projects.’
James Herriott, Engineering Director, Rock Rail, stated: ‘As a long-term asset manager with a commitment to sustainable, innovative, and high-performing rolling stock, Rock Rail is proud to collaborate with RSSB and our ROSCO partners on this critical programme of research. These projects address key technical challenges – from optimising braking performance in low adhesion conditions to advancing suspension design and improving safety in collisions. By contributing funding, operational data, and technical expertise, we aim to support evidence-based solutions that not only enhance rail safety and efficiency but also align with Rock Rail’s strategic goals of reducing carbon emissions, improving asset performance, and delivering long-term value across the UK rail network.’
This collaborative effort signifies a united industry approach to tackling key challenges and driving forward innovation for a safer, more efficient, and sustainable rail network across Great Britain.
