Improving Performance in Rapid Transit Systems

Recognized reliability and maintainability techniques, developed by the aerospace industry, have been modified for application to the rapid transit industry. From the evaluation of existing and proposed transit systems, it is evident that through the application of design techniques and operating strategies, the Operational Dependability can be significantly increased. Quantum improvements in the state-of-the-art are not required. However, increased cooperation between manufacturers, designers, and those responsible for specification preparation is necessary. Also, through better defined programs, more extensive testing, and inclusion of other techniques such as derating and redundancy, we should be able to provide the public with a more dependable, safe transit system while enabling the properties to maintain and operate the system more effectively.