The Automated Single-train-simulator Database (ASD) is a train simulator which measures the time a train takes to get from A to B under differing infrastructure and driving style conditions. It provides the latest in current computing functionality through a database front end user interface and back end. The software is now considered essential to London Underground's management of the PPP Capability performance regime.

Examples of the ASD user interface and outputs

Summary of achievements

• Key to London Underground's management of the PPP Contract performance regime: this was the tool used to evaluate the risks around the PPP Capability performance benchmarks enabling an informed negotiating stance towards improving the PPP performance regime at the start of the Contract;
• Early identification of London Undergrounds' future needs and development of flexible tool to meet those needs and fully adaptable to future changes in requirements;
• Constant feedback between users and development to closer meet user needs;
• Takes an existing tested simulator and provides a windows interface and database functionality;
• Update of the infrastructure data to reflect the current railway and ensure reliable results;
• Communication of the uses and new possibilities offered to the key stakeholders to ensure that the tool is used within other parts of the business planning process where it can add value.

Identifying and meeting London Underground's future business needs with the ASD
As London Underground enters the PPP business needs have developed. London Underground requires an informed negotiating position in order to make contract variations to ensure that risks and benefits are understood by both parties and minimise the cost to London Underground of these variations.

Also, with infrastructure and operational performance due to improve, due to PPP and internal London Underground initiatives, a tool was required to estimate future run-times and headway capacity to enable advance timetable planning.

Working at the heart of the PPP, Cogitare identified these needs and created a flexible tool to meet them. The latest development, about to commence, is the creation of a run-time variability model which will allow London Underground to predict not only run-times but also their in service variability and distribution, allowing much more detailed and knowledgeable run-time management including benchmarking, target setting and timetable planning.