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In Japan, the reliability of the rail network isn’t calculated in minutes or hours.

It’s calculated in seconds.

Technology of course plays a role. The pioneering Shinkansen is designed to cope with the rigours of Japan’s regular earth tremors and quakes.

It is an incredible achievement of both rolling stock and rail network design - it’s also super versatile and reliable.

Believe it or not, Hitachi Rail brought the same approach here to Britain over a decade ago.

It’s why a Hitachi high-speed train, like the Class 395 operating on HS1, is as efficient and comfortable on an intercity run as it is operating across Kent’s commuter belt.

The trains we have delivered for the Intercity Express Programme are consistently among the most reliable new trains on the network.

Social Train Reliability Top 10 Period 6

New Train Reliability 2020 - 21, Period 6

But the future of the railways won’t be defined by technology alone.

In my view, the high value placed on reliability in Japan is born from a business culture that values not only innovation, but also transparency and partnerships.

I think that bringing that same transparent and reliable partnership culture to the UK is critical to helping ensure the long-term success of the railways for our future.

The good news is, we are on the right track.

Over the last decade, the reliability of the UK’s fleets has gone from strength to strength - this year winning a National Rail Award, a Golden Spanner and a Rail Business Award. A big part of that is the transparency and accountability for results.

If trains are parked up for maintenance or running late it is reflected in the statics and every one can see them.

It’s one of one of the most transparent commercial environments on the planet.

Everyone’s reputation is on the line when standards slip. We really are all in this together, so we make sure that’s how we work.

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Over the last decade, Hitachi Rail has put a premium on building close partnership relationships in the UK.

As the old saying goes, success breeds success. As we grow in markets outside of the UK, we are helping suppliers to grow overseas too.

Dozens of British manufacturers, like Hydram Engineering in Durham, Nomad Digital in Newcastle or Perpetuum (with their AI-enabled sensor systems) in Southampton, are integral to our success.

But our reliability isn’t counted in seconds, yet. How can we get there?

Innovation will certainly play a role. For example, using predictive analytics to reduce maintenance cycles will have a dramatic impact on the performance of our railways.

But I also believe that a transparent, partnership-centric Japanese culture can help. This means great product, great process and great people.

And as Hitachi has proven in the past, by bringing Japan’s commitment to innovation, transparency and partnership to Britain, we can help Britain continue to improve the reliability of its railways.

Author

Barrie Cottam

Head of High Speed - UK and Ireland Location: UK and Ireland