Safety issue
| Safety issue description |
The functionality of the Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) did not allow an emergency call to override an initial lower-priority call. |
|---|---|
| Issue number | RO-2016-002-SI-07 |
| Issue owner | Metro Trains Melbourne |
| Transport function | Rail: Passenger - metropolitan |
| Issue status | Closed – Adequately addressed |
| Date issue released | 16/05/2018 |
| Issue status justification |
The safety actions taken by MTM should reduce risk associated with the safety issue. |
| Issue finalisation date | 15/06/2021 |
Safety action
| Action type | Proactive action |
|---|---|
| Action number | RO-2016-002-NSA-009 |
| Organisation | Metro Trains Melbourne |
| Action date | 16/05/2018 |
| Action description |
Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) has enhanced its driver training to highlight the operation of the DTRS for normal and emergency use, including the need to cancel a lower-priority call prior to initiating an emergency call. MTM is also reviewing the functionality of similar digital radio systems used by other rail operators, and options for changing the functionality of the DTRS. |
| ATSB response |
The safety action taken by MTM should reduce risk associated with the safety issue. Improved DTRS functionality that provides automatic override of a lower priority call would further reduce risk. |
| Action status | Closed |
Organisation response
| Date received | 31/08/2018 |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) |
| Response status | Closed |
| Response text |
Radio upgrade project MTM confirmed that there are other systems that enable a higher-priority call to override a lower-priority call. An order has been placed for the functionality of the DTRS to be modified, with new software expected by October 2018. This software will be tested under controlled conditions, trialled on a sub-set of the fleet and subsequently rolled out to the fleet through a controlled program of works. |
Organisation response
| Date received | 28/06/2019 |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) |
| Response status | Closed |
| Response text |
A software modification to ensure that emergency and higher priority calls will override lower level calls has been finalised. A staged program for the installation of the new DTRS software during planned maintenance activities will ensure that all metropolitan trains are modified by December 2019.
|
Safety action
| Action type | Proactive action |
|---|---|
| Action number | RO-2016-002-NSA-026 |
| Organisation | Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) |
| Action date | 15/06/2021 |
| Action description |
MTM has modified the digital train radio system software such that emergency and higher priority calls override calls of lower priority. The functionality of the modified software has been confirmed and it is now installed in all metropolitan trains. |
| ATSB response |
ATSB is satisfied with the safety action taken by MTM. |
| Action status | Closed |