Producing train driver shifts by computer

The privatisation of British Rail into twenty-five train operating companies and three freight companies has highlighted the need for each company to have efficient operating schedules. Manpower costs are a significant element in any transport organisation and the ability to minimise these costs is seen as crucial to the well running of these companies. In addition the need to try out different operating strategies is gaining importance as the search for cost cutting measures progresses. Building on previous experience, a new rail driver scheduling system, TRACS II, has been developed and used for a number of operating companies. Schedules comparable to, or better than, existing ones have been produced, and the system has been used to test several strategies.