Comparing different types of the track side view in high speed train driving

Abstract

The introduction of high speed trains featuring an increasing number of automated components raises imperative questions concerning the future tasks and the general role of the train driver. Previous work showed that train protection systems provoke train drivers to relocate their visual attention from the track side towards the displays within the cabin. The introduction of high speed routes allowing automatic train operation (ATO) has major implications that question the importance of the track side view for the train driver: (1) all relevant driving parameters are displayed within the cabin in high speed railway operations. (2) Supervisory tasks based on in-cab display information shift into the train driver´s focus. This study investigated the influence of three differently sized track side views (real size, monitor size, none) on a) the allocation of visual attention towards displays and the track, measured by Eye-Tracking parameters and b) the situation awareness of the train driver supervising a high speed train featuring ATO measured with the SPAM method. Empirical data are presented for both research questions. The implications are discussed in order to identify how the delivery of relevant information in the context of the changing train driver’s task can be facilitated.