"The aim of this project is a step-change in railway capacity by reducing delays and improving traffic fluidity. This will be achieved by a partnership between railway industry experts, system integrators, small dynamic knowledge led companies and academic researchers.There are 4 levels of work:L1: High level principles, definitions and requirements to direct researchL2: Methods and algorithms derived from L1 that improve capacity and reduce delayL3: Functional components using L2 methods and algorithms to show improvement in capacity and delay; and architecture linking the functional components, including information definitions, to distribute those components across environments and countries.L4: Demonstrators to show that the functional components can be built into industrial-strength systemsThe project will draw on previous research projects and national trials.Previously, railways have improved their own networks to remove bottlenecks and increase fluidity. Such changes have generally been done “ad hoc” so results and best practice have not been shared. Previous relevant academic research has, in general, been based on algorithm development. To apply the results of such research needs an understanding of the practical operating principles and the nature of delay initiation and propagation.This project will address both issues and deliver research-based results that can be freely applied to commercial traffic management and traffic planning tools."