New technology and existing driving cabs-the Human Factors of successful integration

Passenger rolling stock operating on the UK rail network has a life expectancy in the order of 35 years. During the lifetime of a single vehicle it is therefore inevitable that there will be numerous technological advances, some of which will lead to a requirement to retro fit new equipment to existing driving cabs. This paper outlines the Human Factors of successful integration of the driver interface with new technology in existing driving cabs. It considers the motivating factors for retro fitting new technology and what can go wrong if Human Factors are not considered. Following reflection on practical and theoretical issues, a simple checklist of the Human Factors of successful integration is suggested. That checklist is intended to provide a tool for initiating communication between engineers conducting technology integration initiatives and Human Factors specialists. When applied early in the design and integration process use of the checklist will enable the development of an appropriate Human Factors methodology and the conduct of the necessary observational and analytical work as an integral part of the design process.