Harmonization of shunting instructions

The shunting instructions of different infrastructure managers and railway operators are fragmentary and partly conflicting. The problem is exacerbated in a multi-operator environment, where changes implemented by one operator often have an impact on others as well. Shunting instructions and the processes for ensuring their compatibility are currently not at a sufficient level.

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency assumes overall responsibility for shunting work instructions in Finland by supplementing the Train Traffic and Shunting Safety Guidelines document in this regard. Operators can only be permitted to have supplemen-tary local guidelines drawn up in cooperation with other operators.

As the largest infrastructure manager, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency is a natu-ral choice for coordinating the development of instructions. For its part, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency must develop its auditing procedures to ensure the compatibility of different operators’ instructions.

The shunting instructions of different infrastructure managers and railway operators are fragmentary and partly conflicting. The problem is exacerbated in a multi-operator environment, where changes implemented by one operator often have an impact on others as well. Shunting instructions and the processes for ensuring their compatibility are currently not at a sufficient level.