The TREsa system has been designed to meet the Network Rail ARS+ specification for Automatic Route Setting. The main feature of the TREsa product is the Signaller’s Assistant which provides an automatic route setting capability developed to SIL2 standards. This enables the signaller to control a wider area, more consistently, particularly in times of disruption.

The system also provides signalling users with the ability to define operating parameter sets, perturbation plans and special timing patterns on an ‘operations workbench’. This simulates the effect of the changes and ensures changes do not adversely affect the regulation of trains in a safe, offline environment (based on the very successful TREsim simulation system). During disrupted operations the pre-tested plans enable the operator to recover the service more efficiently and thus improve network performance.

Developed initially in conjunction with GE Transportation Systems (GE), TREsa currently operates with both GE’s MCS and Siemens WESTCAD technology platforms, but has protocols to enable integration with other OEM systems. TREsa has been deployed successfully in a number control centre and ROC venues, with further installations in progress or planned to support Network Rail’s CP5 signalling work bank.

The use of ARS type systems, which allow enhanced communication and control options between operators, intelligent management systems and interlocking, are an important part of future control strategy and will play a key role NR’s Digital Railway vision.

TRE Sales Director Tim Gray commented: "We are pleased to secure product acceptance for TREsa and this is recognition of much hard work by the TRE team and a reflection of great collaboration between Network Rail, TRE and two of the main signalling supply companies" TRE Technical Director Andy Lumby additionally commented:

"This is an important milestone in the TREsa story, but we will continue to develop the product functionality and production methods to meet the emerging challenges in further contract roll-outs, ROC deployment and integration with future traffic management systems."