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Network Rail operates one of the most complex and heavily used rail networks in the world, managing more than 1.8 billion passenger journeys each year across 20,000 miles of track. While Great Britain’s railways are among the safest in Europe, Network Rail recognised that maintenance work could be made safer, more efficient and more proactive.
Their ambition was clear: use technology to underpin a step-change in rail safety culture and make proactive safety planning easier across the organisation.
The Challenge
In 2018, Network Rail identified concerning safety trends.
80% of incidents involving track workers struck by trains were linked to red zone lookout failures
Near misses were increasing, affecting more than 2,000 workers in 12 months
Safety-critical planning relied on fragmented systems and manual processes
Network Rail launched a Safety Task Force to eliminate red zone working, improve planning, strengthen accountability and embed a safety-first culture.
The Solution
Working in close collaboration with Network Rail, Tracsis designed and implemented a technology-driven rail safety planning solution tailored to real operational needs.
Using the Tracsis RailHub platform, adapted specifically for Network Rail as NR RailHub, the solution digitised and connected safety-critical processes, bringing all teams onto the same real-time information.
Key components included:
Safe Work Pack & Mobile App – role-based access to accurate, real-time safety information
Line Blockage Tool – digitising one of the most safety-critical maintenance processes
Access Register – a central, live view of all worksite access across the network
The system was designed to be intuitive, secure and resilient, integrating with multiple data sources while reducing manual effort and duplication.
The Results
The impact on safety, efficiency and confidence was significant:
99% reduction in unassisted red zone working
50%+ reduction in annual track worker near misses
£10m+ in estimated efficiency savings
81% positive user feedback
45% reduction in task duplication
75% reduction in rejected line block requests
Millions of error-free access requests created
Winner: ERP Today Transformation Project of the Year
Most importantly, the solution helped Network Rail reinforce its core safety principle:
“Everyone home safe every day.”
A Safer, More Predictable Railway
By making proactive safety planning easier and more transparent, Tracsis helped Network Rail reduce risk, improve accountability and free up thousands of hours previously spent on manual administration. The result is a safer, more reliable and more efficient railway — for workers and passengers alike.
As Tracsis continues to expand internationally, the same proven approach is being adapted to support rail operators in different regulatory environments across the world.
Watch our safety webinar covering this case study in detail.