UK: Knorr-Bremse has been awarded two contracts to fit its Leader Driver Advisory System to Bombardier diesel multiple-units operated by Govia's Southern and London Midland franchises. The operators are hoping to see improved timekeeping and a reduction in fuel consumption as a result of optimised driving techniques.
Leader DAS uses real-time information about the train's dynamics, timetable, route profile and speed limits to continuously calculate the correct speed under the prevailing circumstances. Information from each train is sent to the operators' control centres and relayed to other trains, enabling overall operations to be optimised.
The cab display shows the driver in advance how and when they can adapt their driving style to deliver optimum performance against the timetable.
Installation and commissioning on 23 Class 170 and 27 Class 172 DMUs operated by London Midland and 16 Class 171 DMUs operated by Southern is due to be completed by autumn 2013.
