Rapid transit operations control center state-of-technology review

A human factors study team recently conducted a state-of-technology review of numerous transit and non-transit operations control centers. This study was conducted in order to address the current technological advancements in modem operations control centers and the issues associated with the current reduction of operators required to perform transit system operations. Key technical advancements are creating an operations control center environment that when performing within system boundaries requires virtually no attention. Yet, when the system strays from these operational boundaries (i.e., emergency situations) the complexity of the numerous systems stresses the capabilities of the individual human component. Identification and utilization of operator capabilities paired with optimum equipment selection is critical albeit often discounted. Therefore, a comprehensive state-of-technology review is a critical path towards utilizing numerous operations control center sites and their individual implementation of human factors related design considerations. This paper presents the methodology, findings, and conclusions from the state-of-technology review as relating to operational human factors issues.