Understanding ambiguously structured rail traffic control practices
by Jaap Van Den Top, Bauke Steenhuisen
International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management (IJTPM), Vol. 9, No. 2, 2009

Abstract: The rail system displays a high number of dynamic interdependencies among trains, signals, switches and the many controllers and staff who operate them. Consequently, these operators face many trade-offs for critical values such as safety and reliability. We studied these issues from the operator's perspective. We found that operators cope with problems using a wide variety of strategies, especially with respect to the cooperation with colleagues in different roles. The current efforts to manage and innovate traffic control practices should be based on a thorough understanding of actual practices and problems. We show that these problems tend to be paradoxical. In conclusion, we draw up recommendations on how to improve these operational practices on the basis of our empirical observations.

Online publication date: Mon, 18-May-2009

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management (IJTPM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com