• Innovation and suggestions scheme

    Smart ideas delivering value
  • Think, Explore, Prove, Do: the four stages in our innovation process are all about delivering value for our customers, passengers and stakeholders. 

    By harnessing the power of the market, we capture novel ideas from our suppliers and academic partners. If you have a solution to one of our challenges, please send Robert Cummins, our Innovation Supply Chain Manager, an outline of the innovation using our online innovation and suggestions form 


    Our challenges and priorities

  • Condition monitoring of Buildings & Civils assets

    We seek innovative solutions for monitoring assets and predicting time frame for intervention. Key assets include earthworks, underwater foundations, M&E assets, masonry structures, and line side buildings.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Environmental protective coatings for metallic structures

    We want innovative solutions for cost effective protective coating solutions for metallic structures from environmental effects.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Tunnel water management

    We seek innovative solutions for controlling and managing water ingress into tunnels.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Drainage systems

    We seek innovative methods for inspection and maintenance of drainage in the railway environment.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Support to line side structures

    We seek innovative solutions for cost effective line side infrastructure.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Vegetation management on structures

    We seek innovative solutions for effective control of vegetation growth on structures.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Bridge strike reduction

    We seek innovative solutions that reduce disruption to the network disruption caused by bridge strikes.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Improving seasonal treatments

    We seek innovative solutions that reduce the impact of weather and/or environment on train performance. Aspects to be considered include leaf fall, temperature, snow, and frost.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Planning for using mobile plant

    We seek innovative solutions to measure gradients on the rail infrastructure (both of the rail itself and the surrounding area). These solutions should be easily portable / hand held and be capable of measuring gradients accurately and quickly.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Reducing noise emitted from plant

    We seek innovative solutions to reduce the noise emitted from items of plant that may be used either for infrastructure work or may be fixed to the infrastructure.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Intercontinental / intercouncil transfer of equipment

    Consider ways equipment could be transferred between infrastructure managers. Opportunitities include logistic and business models for shared usage (perhaps across hemispheres) for seasonal treatment vehicles .
     

    Submit a solution 

    Remote monitoring of electrical power assets

    We seek innovative solutions for monitoring the condition of key assets and predicting time frames for intervention and/or loss of serviceability. Key electrical power assets include: OLE components and systems, HV and LV distribution switchgear (circuit breakers and disconnectors), power transformers, rectifiers, HV cables, signalling power supply cables, motorised and manual switches, earthing and bonding systems, points heating components and systems.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Improved power supply and energy efficiency

    We seek innovative solutions to support improvements in power supply and energy management. We are keen to explore: energy storage; energy harvesting; low energy replacements for existing components; electrical loss identification and minimisation; and increased resilience.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Reducing reliance on copper

    We seek innovative solutions to reduce our reliance on copper for power and transmission in insulated cables and overhead line systems.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Configuration and component tracking

    We seek innovative solutions for configuration and component tracking.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Line side hardware

    We seek innovative approaches to optimise signalling and comms line-side hardware, in particular smart ideas that require minimal or no maintenance.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Simplified and more cost effective foundations

    We seek innovative approaches to simplify and reduce the cost of the connections between OLE main structural steelwork and foundation caps.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Alternative earthing systems

    We seek systems or devices which will enable the OLE to be earthed by remote control. Such a system must be capable of operation by remote control from our electrical control room. Devices must provide positive back indication, not just that the device has operated, but that the OLE is securely electrically connected to earth. Devices must be capable of conducting to earth securely the results of lightning and 25kV power short circuits. Any device proposed must be capable of operating in the exposed environment of the OLE, in all weather conditions, and must not bring the need for excessive maintenance attention.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Lightweight foundations

    We seek innovative solutions for the foundations and connections to lightweight line side structures (Signal posts, OLE Masts). Solutions should enable rapid and efficient implementation with the minimum use of mechanical plant.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Remote condition monitoring of track assets

    We seek innovative solutions for remote condition monitoring of track assets including:

    • innovative solutions and approaches to record, analyse and report asset condition information
    • vertical deflection of critical S&C components (switches and crossings)
    • the ability to understand under rail pad condition in situ
    • the ability to record real time data on cumulative tonnage on a route – Continuous track stiffness measurement
    • continuous track and track bed stiffness measurement
    • a method for monitoring visible defect/crack propagation in cast crossings
    • continuous stress free termperature monitoring of rail


      Submit a solution 

    Track components

    We seek innovative solutions and approaches for the development of track and switch and crossing components that will reduce whole life costs, improve reliability and require reduced levels of intervention. Areas to consider include:

    • Cast crossings, in particular repair, life extension in situ of crossing noses
    • Corrosion resistant rails suitable for track delivery and installation
    • 6 hole IBJs for use in S&C which are compatible with bearer spacings
    • Ballast re-engineered to increase the design life


    Submit a solution 

    Track system renewal

    We seek innovative solutions to full or partial renewal of the track system (rail, sleepers, formation, ballast and drainage) including:

    • Ballast renewal and recovery specifically under S&C both simple and complex layouts including third rail systems
    • S&C recovery in panel form
    • Quick and efficient removal of the ballast shoulder in connection with track renewals to allow free drainage
    • In-line stressing, such as undertaken during the renewal process


    Submit a solution 

    Waste handling

    We seek innovative approaches for handling waste from track activities (vegetation, drainage, etc).
     

    Submit a solution 

    Measuring switch blades

    We seek innovative solutions to a method which can measure and record the profile of the switch blade and confirm compliance to standard tolerances.
     

    Submit a solution 

    Alternative track system

    We seek an innovative track system that has the potential to become the de facto method for track installation. Characteristics may include:

    • Easily integrated with existing track systems
    • Easily integrated with signalling, power would be beneficial
    • Reduction in installation and maintenance costs
    • Installation within reduced access
    • Reduced whole life cost
    • Demonstrable life extension compared to existing systems
    • Ability to perform under variable support conditions


    Submit a solution 

  • Unlocking Innovation


    The Railway Industry Association's programme, Unlocking Innovation, aims to help suppliers be more effective at innovation.

    The RIA is holding breakfast briefings around the UK to explain more about the scheme in April and May which are open to non-members. See riagb.org.uk for details.

     
  • We want your ideas!

    SpacerTimelapse video showing the construction of Workington station

    Video: Time lapse film of the construction of a temporary station at Workington in six days.

    New Measurement Train video

    Video: The New Measurement Train, which rapidly assesses track condition, has led to a dramatic reduction in reportable faults.