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Last week, the Translate4Rail project, which is a research project developing a Language Tool prototype to meet the communication needs of train drivers and traffic controllers on cross border services, reached a significant milestone by field testing its Language Tool prototype, using two scenarios on the Austrian-Italian border. 

Translate4Rail, which is funded by Shift2Rail and managed by UIC and RNE, offers train drivers and traffic controllers a comprehensive set of ready-to-use, predefined messages (PDM) which shall cover their communication needs in all operational situations. These specific messages will be channelled through the language tool prototype, enabling drivers and traffic controllers to understand each other while each speaking in their native languages. After testing the Translate4Rail Language Tool prototype in the laboratory, the Translate4Rail team went into the field to test the prototype in real operational conditions, using two scenarios by testing in “standstill” and “running” modes on the Austrian-Italian border. 

The tests, which were performed with the involvement of two infrastructure managers and four railway undertakings, commenced on 30 June in Tarvisio-Pontebba/Pontebba-Tarvisio and continued on the Austrian side on 1 July in Arnoldstein-Villach/Villach-Arnoldstein, where several defined modules were tested. During the tests, train drivers and traffic controllers used the Translate4Rail language tool prototype to communicate with each other, proving the concept of predefined messages in a safe environment.  

Based on their experience during the tests, drivers and traffic controllers will provide feedback on language tool evaluation, ergonomics (tablet usage), and tool adaptation for daily operations. On this basis, the Translate4Rail research project will provide recommendations for the adaptation and enhancement of the Language Tool to be used in daily operations. 

Source: UIC