Cameras and other sensors, to measure track irregularities "plug&play" or more frequently

What is it about?

This paper is about measuring track geometry irregularities with potentially less accuracy than with today's Track Recording Vehicles, but either much more frequently on normal trains in service carrying passengers, or with a plug & play approach to solve specific problems soon after they have emerged.

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Why is it important?

More frequent measurement could support: - a cheaper and decarbonised track maintenance process; Machine Learning is really suited to large datasets and High Performance Computing is a reality, so data processing is no longer a huge problem and predictive maintenance is no longer so far away for rail track; the trackwork machines, inevitably using a significant amount of energy, can be directed to parts of the track that really need it; - the resilience of rail transport, for example by helping in the detection of track misalignments in hot weather.