Enhancing energy-efficiency in railways: The role of driver acceptance of driver advisory systems

Abstract

Energy-efficient driving has become crucial for railway undertakings to improve sustainability and reduce operational costs. DriverAdvisory Systems (DAS), capable of achieving energy savings of up to 15%, are a promising tool to support this goal. However, the effectiveness of DAS depends on train drivers’acceptance and compliance as they implement the system's driving recommendations. To address the lack of knowledge about how drivers integrate DAS in their driving and factors influencing acceptance of the system, we conducted a longitudinal field study. Questionnaire data (n = 31) were collected before and after DAS implementation in a German railway company, along with a three- and a five-month acquisition phase of driving data (n = 16). Results revealed a strong positive correlation between drivers’ affinity for technology and DAS acceptance. Acceptance was also positively linked to drivers’ compliance with the driving recommendation of the DAS and higher compliance correlated positively with faster reaction times once a driving recommendation was given. These findings provide insights into the psychological attitudes that influence operational behaviours and performance metrics when driving with DAS. By leveraging this knowledge, measures can be developed to enhance driver performance with DAS, ultimately maximizing energy savings and supporting sustainability goals in the railway sector.