Investigating the user experience following implementation of a safety system.

Context: Following a series of overspeed incidents on the Sydney Trains network, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) explored Driver’s beliefs associated with Automatic Train Protection (ATP).

Aim: Young and Naweed (2017) called out the lack of research investigating the impact that ATP has on the driver. The aim of this study was to increase understanding on this topic, particularly in the context of train operations in Sydney.

Approach: Analysis of other networks operating ATP was conducted, and this information was compared to the implementation of ATP in Sydney. A workshop was conducted with drivers in the style of a focus group. Finally, a survey was developed, of which 359 Drivers responded. Qualitative thematic analysis was then applied to the data to identify themes regarding Driver’s beliefs associated with ATP.

Results: Two-thirds of Drivers viewed ATP as an additional safety overlay. Three-quarters of Drivers believed the introduction of ATP changed how they managed driving tasks. Almost all drivers felt there was little to no challenge moving between ATP fitted and non-fitted trains, despite the potential for negative transfer and planning errors due to mode confusion.

Implications: Analysis of the data suggests there may be tension between the user’s appreciation of the safety benefits provided by ATP and the system’s impact on train management. Resistance to the introduction of ATP could be viewed through a Behavioural Psychology lens i.e. theories of Operant Conditioning. Upgrading ATP to European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 could reduce the gap between expectations of how the system will perform versus actual performance, via the introduction of additional feedback mechanisms.

References: Young, T, & Naweed, A. (2017) The Impact of Automatic Train Protection on Ways of Working in Australian Rail. Contemporary Ergonomics and Human Factors