Punctuality display in the driver’s cab: Blessing or curse for train drivers?

Abstract

Energy efficiency is an important topic for the Swiss railway industry – and not only because of the discussion regarding climate change. Currently, train drivers already receive updates on operating times, optimised speed profiles and recommended speed corrections through various assistance systems, enabling punctual and energy-efficient driving. As a further step, researchers at the University of Applied Psychology FHNW Switzerland and the Swiss Federal Railways SBB have now tested another support system in the driver’s cab: the punctuality display. A punctuality display could save train drivers from having to mentally calculate any deviation to the scheduled time themselves and thus keep their attention on safety-relevant tasks. This display may increase the overall system’s transparency and thus enhance perceived control for the train drivers. However, a punctuality display could also cause permanent readjustments to cruising speed and thus increase stress for the train drivers. The aim of the research project was to investigate the potential effects of a punctuality display on the daily work routine of train drivers. Other factors, such as the influence of the train driver’s work experience or the effect of the punctuality display while driving on different routes, were also investigated. In a second step, two different designs of a punctuality display were evaluated to investigate their influence on factors such as stress or distraction and to determine which of the two designs was preferred by train drivers. Or, in somewhat more general terms, the study intended to examine whether additional information systems are beneficial for a system operator because they increase system and process transparency, or whether this additional information is more of a stressor or restricts the operators’ scope for action. To assess these questions, test runs were carried out and assessed through questionnaires. The results show that the punctuality display is evaluated as a supportive tool by the train drivers. Novices rate the punctuality display slightly more positively than experts. When testing the design variants, it became apparent that a simple numeric display was preferred to a bar display. The stress and distraction potential of a punctuality display was generally evaluated as low by the train drivers and the display was not rated as disruptive. As a conclusion, it seems reasonable to provide train drivers with a punctuality display in form of a numerical display in the driver’s cab to support them in their daily work activity.