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Expert opinion on reversing in accordance with EN 14033

Customer: ZAUGG AG EGGIWIL, Switzerland

Endcustomer: Trafiverket, Sweden

Project tasks

  • Standards research
  • Situation assessment from the user’s point of view
  • Preparation of an expert opinion

Our Approach

Based on test reports, technical data and operational knowledge, the specialists from PROSE prepared an expert opinion on how to operatethe ZRR10000M snow blower locomotive just with the CCTV backwards at speeds up to 20 km/h.

Customer benefit

Since the view of this opinion was shared by the end customer and the concerned authorities, Zaugg has achieved legal certainty to offer such machines with the possibility to drive backwards with speeds up to 20 km/h.​

Definition of a vehicle authorisation strategy for a driver advisor system

Customer: KNORR BREMSE, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Homologation strategy
  • Operational applicability
  • Human factor limitations

Our Approach

PROSE conducted an expertise on different topics. The aim of the PROSE homologation consulting was to prepare an argumentative concept on the legal situation relevant to homologation, as well as a description of the scope and content of the necessary notification to BAV (Bundesamt für Verkehr).

Customer benefit

KNORR BREMSE received a thorough expertise on the homologation imperative with regards to implementation of the driver advisor system in shunting and main line operation,  operational as well as human factors in and around the utilization a video camera system with artificial intelligence.

 

Assessment of brake problems snow clearing vehicle

Customer: ZAUGG AG EGGIWIL, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Independent assessment of the braking performance of the snow removal vehicle ZRR10000M Trafikverket

Our approach

The task included research of existing standards and operational regulations, the investigation of the implication in case of a lining change as well as consultations with brake suppliers / operators. Based on these technical and operational data, experiences and general conditions, PROSE prepared an independent investigation and assessment of the mentioned brake problems under severe winter conditions including recommendations for action.

Customer benefit

The assessment is used for submission to the vehicle operator. With the various solutions and recommended actions adapted to the vehicle, reliable operation of the vehicle can be achieved. Thus, the customer can fulfill the obligations towards the operator. Furthermore, the report serves as a basis for the approval with corresponding argumentations, which makes it easier for the customer to appear before the registration office and the end customer.

 

Advice on the modularisation of a functional vehicle authorisation strategy

Customer: Plasser&Theurer, Austria

Project tasks

  • Safety assessment report
  • Efficient decision-making basis for identifying significant changes
  • Optimisation in the definition of system boundaries
  • Optimisation potential in the creation of the “Requirement Capture”
  • Optimisation of the creation of the safety plan

Our Approach

PROSE offers support for a corresponding further development and optimisation of the processes. The aim was to optimise the processes and methodologies at P&T to the extent that effort is reduced and lead times can be shortened, but always in compliance with the requirements of the CSM EU VO 402/2013. The results of the workshop, including recommendations for the further procedure, were summarized by PROSE in a short report after the workshop.

Customer benefit

In a full-day workshop, Plasser&Theurer discussed in detail the necessity of a safety assessment report, efficient decision-making bases for the identification of significant changes, the design of optimisation in the definition of system boundaries, the optimisation potential in the preparation of the requirement capture and the optimisation of the preparation of the safety plan.

Verification of clearance between infrastructure gauge and infrastructure

Customer: Stadtwerke München GmbH (SWM), Germany

Project tasks

  • Support of the SWM project management in the technical evaluation of the results of the infrastructure survey
  • Interpretation of the results with regard to the requirements resulting from §18 of the BOStrab (German regulation on the construction and operation of tramways)
  • Recommendation of the measures to be taken
  • Preparation of the final report of the initial survey for the individual metro lines for submission to the technical supervisory authority

Our Approach

​With laser surveying, the existing installations are recorded with a precision that was previously impossible. PROSE supports the SWM project management in the technical evaluation of the results of the infrastructure survey. This includes the interpretation about the requirements resulting from §18 of the BOStrab as well as the measures to be taken. In addition, PROSE prepares the final report of the initial survey for the individual metro lines for submission to the technical supervisory authority.

Customer benefit

PROSE has experts with many years of expertise regarding the interaction of infrastructure and vehicle and especially regarding the clearance of the light area. This enables PROSE to advise clients on the interpretation of the applicable guidelines in case of ambiguous facts. PROSE was able to prove to SWM that several objects, which were initially classified as violating the clearance, do not pose a threat regarding the clearance. Thus, the customer could avoid a cost-intensive dismantling of these objects.

Assessment of the safety against derailment of a historic fleet running on “bicycle safe” track

Customer: Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB), Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Recording of vehicle data of the historical fleet
  • Clustering of the vehicles
  • Measurement of the “velogleis” system on site
  • Evaluation of the relevant parameters and classification regarding the applicability

Our Approach

By means of an objective computational method, PROSE evaluates the usability of the vehicles. The investigation of the derailment safety of the historical vehicles is performed regarding the track-related system parameters at the according location. Since such vehicle-technical data are only available to a limited extent for historic vehicles, the running gear design of the vehicles is additionally examined on site in the maintenance pit. For the evaluation regarding the usability, the wheel contact force is analyzed among other topics and the vehicle groups are evaluated according to their use (yes, no, under certain conditions) and documented in a report.

Customer benefit

PROSE’s expertise provides the customer with a statement about the usability of their historic vehicles over the installed track system “velogleis”.

Support for procurement of catenary line installation vehicle

Customer: Furrer+Frey AG, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Technical clarification, evaluation
  • Preparation and negotiation of the contract framework
  • Project management and client representation
  • Examination of the railspecific specifications
  • Manufacturing supervision
  • Homologation support in Switzerland, Germany and Austria
  • Service introduction support

Our Approach

In the tender phase Furrer+Frey AG entrusted PROSE with the technical clarification for the evaluation as well as with preparation and negotiation of the contract framework. In the execution phase PROSE officially represented the customer.

Customer benefit

Furrer+Frey AG profits from PROSE’s vast experience with procurement of rolling stock and from PROSE’s rail-specific expert knowledge. Competent and experienced experts provide support in the fields of design, development, manufacture and homologation of vehicles so that the customer does not have to provide project-specific resources. The project team managed by PROSE realizes early delivery of a customized vehicle adapted to the company’s work processes. The positive operating approval for Switzerland is included and the budget limit not exceeded.

Support for procurement of a road-rail motor tower car

Customer: BERNMOBIL, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Requirements management
  • Contract for work and materials as well as call for tenders
  • Evaluation of tenders
  • Examination of the specifications
  • Manufacturing supervision
  • Acceptance support
  • Test support FOT

Our Approach

In the tender phase BERNMOBIL engaged PROSE with requirements management, which included the preparation of the requirements specification and all other documents needed for the public request for tenders. Apart from the technical specifications, this also included work and material contracts, availability and reliability requirements, the evaluation model with assessment matrix, and general conditions for the future maintenance and support contract covering the first ten years of operation.

Customer benefit

BERNMOBIL profited from our vast, practice-oriented experience with procurement of rolling stock, as well as from our rail-specific expert knowledge. PROSE also provided access to competent and experienced contacts who could answer questions regarding the design, development, production and homologation of vehicles. The customer was also able to take advantage from the knowledge acquired by PROSE during the execution phase for all important project steps.

Support for the purchase of low-floor trams

Customer: Basel public transport authority (BVB), Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Capture customer wishes concerning vehicle technology
  • Support documentation of the resulting technical requirements
  • Consider the current state of technology
  • Take account of current technical rules and standards
  • Revise the draft specification
  • Conduct a technical evaluation of the submitted bids

Our Approach

PROSE employs experts with many years’ experience in rail passenger transport. This allowed PROSE to put the tender call in a correct and due form and to state the customer’s requirements so as to facilitate their practical implementation. PROSE also brought in current technical rules and standards and took current laws and regulations into account.

Customer benefit

The customer gained value because the PROSE experts, reduced the commitment of customer resources in the tender call’s development and because PROSE introduced knowledge of current technology and of corresponding systems and components in developing the concept for the tram. PROSE took into account the experience of other public transport agencies in recent rolling stock procurement projects and contributed to a neutral and impartial bid evaluation.

 

Owner’s representative for vehicles running on electrified railway network

Customer: ZPS – Zweckverband Personennahverkehr Saarland, SPNV Nord – Zweckverband Schienenpersonennahverkehr Rheinland-Pfalz Nord,  SPNV Süd – Zweckverband Schienenpersonennahverkehr Rheinland-Pfalz Süd, Germany

Project tasks

  • Assessment of the functional requirements, the quality and the schedule
  • Preparation of technical solutions
  • Build-up and maintenance of a vehicle information system
  • Technical consultancy within the scope of the controlling group

Our approach

Once the operator, the vehicle supplier Alstom and the vehicle maintainer have been appointed to carry out the operation in the Elektro-Netz Saar, PROSE was engaged with the Technical Controlling. The goal of this Technical Controlling is to ensure a long term maintaining of the vehicle asset value with an owners perspective. This Technical Controlling consist of a procurement, a development phase and a operational controlling phase. In the procurement project a asset management reporting tool was elaborated and procured. In the development phase the various vehicle assessments we developed and defined. In the operational phase of the project production quality has been stepwise assessed and reported to the owner. Over the concession period the vehicle maintenance quality is regularly assessed and reported.

Customer benefit

The customer benefits from a reduced risk for the competent authority by the procurement of the vehicles
The authority can make correct and targeted decisions thanks to the technical solutions prepared by PROSE.

 

 

Owner’s representative for FLIRT 3 vehicles

Customer: Landesanstalt für Schienenfahrzeuge Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Project tasks

  • Evaluation of project deviations with regard to functional requirements, quality and schedule
  • Supervision of high quality manufacturing of all 66 FLIRT 3 trains
  • Monitoring of vehicle condition/maintenance during operation for the duration of the operation contract (9 years)

Our approach

Once the operator, the vehicle supplier Stadler and the vehicle maintainer have been appointed to carry out the operation Baden-Württemberg, PROSE was engaged with the Technical Controlling. The goal of this Technical Controlling is to ensure a long term maintaining of the vehicle asset value with an owners perspective. This Technical Controlling consist of a development phase and a operational controlling phase. In the development phase the various vehicle assessments we developed and defined. In the operational phase of the project production quality of 66 FLIRT vehicles has been stepwise assessed and reported to the owner. Over the concession period of 9 years the vehicle maintenance quality is regularly assessed and reported.

Customer benefit

The customer benefits from risk minimisation and quality assurance in vehicle procurement. Furthermore, proper executed delivery and homologation are ensured, as is the assurance of the vehicle’s condition during operation and maintenance.

 

 

Consulting for efficiency increase in maintenance and life cycle cost optimisation

Customer: ÖBB Personenverkehr AG, Austria

Project tasks

  • Implementation of benchmark and a concrete guidance for the application of the optimisation measures
  • Determination of the cost saving potential
  • Development of a standard methodology for future use cases in ÖBB passenger transport

Our Approach

First, an analysis of the current technical procurement depth of the tenders was carried out. In the next step, model calculations of investment costs (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX) were prepared, and a benchmark of the existing options for action was defined. The recommendations elaborated by PROSE show which adjustments would be reasonable in order to use the advantages optimally.

Customer benefit

PROSE enables ÖBB to provide a comprehensive overview and thus provides a basis for decisions on the choice of measures with which its medium and long-term goal of increasing efficiency can be realized.

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