Author(s)

M. Veiseth, N. Olsson & I. A. F. Saetermo

Abstract

This paper focuses on the possibilities for root cause analyzes of delays and estimation of effects of delay-causing incidents by linking infrastructure data and operational data. Such information could be used to prioritize improvement and maintenance activities and to quantify the effects of improvement measures. We have analysed and compared data from two infrastructure databases and one punctuality database in Norway. Linking of data between the databases should theoretically and technically be possible but our analyses have shown that this is challenging. To make linking of information possible we recommend the railway industry to develop a general code-system for all three databases that directly ties the information together. Keywords: punctuality, delay, railway, infrastructure, data quality, root cause identification. 1 Introduction Punctuality is highly valued by railway customers and is claimed to be the number one factor determining railway service quality in most countries [1]. Hence, most railway companies set punctuality targets for their services. However, punctuality statistics show that the actual level of punctuality lies below the targets for many rail services (see for example [2]), and should thus be subject to improvement efforts. Veiseth and Bititci [3] have compared best practice of performance measurement with measurement of punctuality in Norway, Sweden and Scotland. They conclude there is need for more focus on processes and factors that influence punctuality in the improvement work. They also recommend the railway industry to link measurements of punctuality with other management and data systems to make the measurement system more balanced and complete.

Keywords

punctuality, delay, railway, infrastructure, data quality, root causeidentification.