Insights from Railway Professionals: Rethinking Railway Assumptions Regarding Safety and Autonomy

This study investigates how railway professionals perceive ‘safety’ as a concept within rail, with the intention to help inform future technological developments within the industry. Through a series of interviews with drivers, route planners, and administrative personnel, the research explores the current state of safety practices, the potential for automation and the understanding of the railway as a system of systems. Key findings highlight a cautious attitude towards automation, a preference for assistive technologies, and a complex understanding of safety that integrates human, systematic and technological factors. The study also addresses the limitations of transferring automotive automation technologies to railways and the need for a railway-specific causation model to better evaluate and enhance safety in an evolving technological landscape. This study aims to bridge the gap between contemporary research and practical applications, contributing to the development of more effective safety metrics.