Requirements for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in Rail Operations

Abstract

Advanced Driver Assistance systems (ADAS) for rail operations aim to reduce energy usage by giving train drivers recommendations on energy-efficient driving based on operational information. Until now, very little is known about train drivers' attitudes towards ADAS, what they require from them, and what is needed for train drivers to comply with the driving recommendations given by the systems. Six in-depth interviews (two female) show that although drivers believe that the system can support more inexperienced drivers in eco-friendly driving, they estimate its overall usefulness to be low. The interviewed drivers rather wish for an ADAS that allows them to adapt their driving to the current situation and upcoming events by providing necessary information (e.g. type and speed of preceding vehicles, the status of signals ahead, estimated passenger boarding and alighting times, feedback on energy consumption), then for a system that "patronizes" them by "telling them how to drive". Measures to meet the train drivers’ requirements and potentially lead to comply with the driving recommendations through system design and operative measures are discussed.