ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the objectives of the study and the methods used and describe a study carried out on behalf of Rail Safely and Standard Board (RSSB) by one of the authors. It explains the Global System for Mobiles – Railway equipment is currently available and to assess it against UK needs. The chapter analyses the existing published research concerning the effects of using mobile phones in road, rail and air transport and relate this to the UK railway domain. It presents the views of a number of UK users of existing railway radio communications systems. The chapter provides an input to new Railway Group Standards for the introduction of Global System for Mobiles – Railway on a national basis. RSSB commissioned a study to identify human factors and equipment issues that may affect the introduction and acceptance of the new technology. RSSB standards embrace a wide range of technical and operational subjects, including railway telecommunications.
