In order to quickly respond to possible technical problems for “Vivi” trains, a 24-hour dispatcher service has been introduced, technical support has been strengthened, and drivers have undergone more in-depth train computer program training.
“Everything has been done to minimize these risks this year. Is it possible to prevent them 100%? Probably not. Therefore, we have to calculate, because, unfortunately, I have no influence over the climate. Contact network icing can create certain risks, but these risks have been managed and we are much more prepared for this type of incident than a year ago,” says the Minister of Transport.
Also in the future, if “Vivi” experiences technical problems and the route cannot be continued, passengers will be transported further by other vehicles. “Algorithms have been developed, which, of course, we already put into use in the spring. They weren’t very popular. We were even surprised how unpopular was the option of, for example, calling a taxi immediately through a driver, the cost of which would then be reimbursed by the “Passenger Train”. Basically, we are looking at getting the train up and running as quickly as possible, because previously the drivers may have lacked the knowledge to restart the train’s computer system or fix a fault so that the train can start running again. In parallel, of course, there will be at least 13 old electric trains as a rolling stock reserve. We cannot promise that everything will go completely smoothly,” says K. Brišken.
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good morning! Thank you for joining us today. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about the recent changes made for the “Vivi” trains?
Expert: Good morning! Absolutely, I’d be happy to. There have been significant improvements aimed at enhancing the reliability and safety of the “Vivi” trains. A big step forward is the introduction of a 24-hour dispatcher service that allows quick responses to any technical issues that might arise. In addition, we’ve also strengthened technical support, and drivers have received more extensive training on train computer systems.
Interviewer: That sounds like a comprehensive approach. What prompted these changes in the first place? Were there specific incidents that led to this enhancement?
Expert: Yes, there have been some challenges with technical problems in the past, which impacted service reliability. While we’ve managed these issues, it became clear that a more proactive approach was essential to ensure that any potential disruptions could be swiftly addressed. We wanted to minimize risks as much as possible for passengers.
Interviewer: You mentioned minimizing risks—how effective do you believe these changes will be in achieving that?
Expert: The improvements certainly represent a significant step forward, but it’s important to understand that complete prevention of technical issues may not be feasible. As I noted earlier, “Is it possible to prevent them 100%? Probably not.” However, we can reduce the likelihood and impact of these issues through consistent monitoring and rapid response capabilities.
Interviewer: That’s a realistic perspective. Can you elaborate on how the in-depth training for drivers has changed?
Expert: Of course! The expanded training program focuses on the operational aspects of our computer systems, including routine troubleshooting and emergency procedures. We’ve found that well-trained drivers can identify and address problems more swiftly, which can make a significant difference in the overall safety and efficiency of train operations.
Interviewer: It sounds like you’re prioritizing safety without compromising efficiency. With these new measures in place, do you think passengers will feel more secure traveling on “Vivi” trains?
Expert: We believe so! Passengers value transparency and safety. By clearly communicating the measures we’ve put into place and showing a commitment to technical reliability, we hope they will feel more confident traveling with us. Trust is paramount in this industry.
Interviewer: Absolutely! Last question: looking ahead, how will you evaluate the success of these initiatives?
Expert: We’ll be closely monitoring key performance indicators such as service interruptions, passenger feedback, and the speed of responses to any technical issues. Continuous improvement is our goal, and we’re ready to adapt based on what we learn from these metrics.
Interviewer: Fantastic insights! Thank you for taking the time to share these updates with us. It’s reassuring to see such proactive steps being taken for train safety.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s an important topic, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.