Quintiq, a Dutch company that provides advanced planning and scheduling solutions, says its APS tool will be implemented at all four rail passenger franchises of FirstGroup, a leading transport operator.
Following a successful pilot with First ScotRail, Quintiq's resource optimization solutions also are to be deployed at First TransPennine Express, First Capital Connect and First Great Western.
Quintiq says its knowledge-based planning system allows operators a complete understanding of operational needs and constraints. For example, the system will, at the touch of a button, inform users: which drivers are authorized to operate on particular tracks; driver and crew contract and shift patterns (including driver breaks); and train unit characteristics, such as passenger capacity.
"Having such information readily to hand is invaluable," says Victor Allis, Quintiq CEO. "When making decisions about routes, timetabling, staffing, trains and the cost-First's planners can use the Quintiq system and immediately test the quality of their possible solutions. The system is particularly useful for tactical and long-term planning and operational planning when revisions have to be put in place due to engineering works."
