Transport for Wales (TfW) has revolutionised the training of its front-line staff with new, cutting-edge virtual reality training technology.

This is the first time that a UK train operator has taken advantage of virtual reality, which enables trainees in the comfort of a classroom to experience key real-world scenarios before moving on to practical training.

The technology was developed by the Scottish company Devova and features a computerised replica of one of Transport for Wales’ brand-new Class 197 trains, which operate on most mainline routes across Wales and the Borders. Trainees can take full control of the train, change between keys, check route diagrams, and alert virtual customers with a whistle.

Among virtual scenarios are dispatch procedures from various platform types, bringing the train to an emergency stop, dispatching against signal failure, identifying suspicious items, and dealing with an onboard fire.

Trainees can also use a virtual onboard phone to speak to the driver or signaller being played by an instructor in the classroom.

Transport for Wales already has a training facility with a state-of-the-art simulator, but this is its first use of virtual reality technology.

Brendan Morris, CEO of Denova, commented that the company is delighted to be the technology partner for the simulator, as it has been a fantastic project and a real industry first. He added that it allows trainees to practise emergencies that they might seldom see in practice, but need to be competent in, and like driving cab simulators, it helps build confidence and competence in safety-critical procedures.

“I was impressed to see the technology in action, and I wish this was about when I was doing my training. You can test out situations you just wouldn’t typically experience in the real world when taking trainees out. I must have trained hundreds of train conductors over the years, and this would have been fantastic to have had for them. I was really impressed with the technology, and I like that we can suggest ideas for different scenarios.”

Lee Alexander, a Conductor Instructor at Transport for Wales, who has worked on the railway for 18 years