The Introduction of Automated Rail Vehicle Inspection Systems (ARVIS) for NJ Transit

This paper describes how automated visual inspection systems hold significant potential for improving rail car maintenance. By providing consistent, reliable data, which can be used to determine current and future condition, a more predictive approach to maintenance can be adopted. This should result in fewer out of service vehicles and easier compliance with standards. New Jersey (NJ) Transit has been interested in using such technology for some time and in 2008 started a significant trial of its application. This paper describes the introduction of an Automated Rail Vehicle Inspection System (ARVIS) at NJ Transit’s Morrisville, PA maintenance facility in order to automatically inspect brakes and wheels on a range of fleets. Following a public tender process at the end of 2006, NJ Transit contracted DeltaRail from the UK to design, build and install three ARVIS installations to undergo a two-year trial at Morrisville. The use of automated inspection technology for rail applications is now maturing in Europe (DeltaRail’s first system was installed over 14 years ago) and demand has increased significantly in recent years. To provide local support DeltaRail has chosen to work with ENSCO as its US partner on this project, the two companies having many years of experience in the delivery of high technology to rail properties. This paper describes the systems installed, discusses how the information will be managed and used, and looks at the expected benefits as the trial proceeds.