Differences in types and causes of human errors between high-speed and conventional railway dispatching: the potential impact of automation

Abstract

Dispatcher errors are critical for railway safety, yet the impact of new technology on error types and causes is less understood. High-speed railways (HSR) utilize advanced automated technologies that enhance efficiency but introduce new challenges. This study analyzed 8522 error records from both HSR and conventional rail (CR) dispatchers using a human error classification framework. We categorized these errors into three key task types: monitoring, planning and scheduling, and dispatching instructions. Results showed that HSR dispatchers make more errors in planning and scheduling tasks, particularly decision-making errors influenced by poor crew resource management and adverse mental states. In contrast, they make fewer errors in monitoring and dispatch instructions, with reduced decision errors and violations. Additionally, skill-based errors were less affected by factors such as personal readiness and supervisory issues. We explained these findings by linking them to how automation reduces procedural workload, decreases controllability and predictability, and induces out-of-the-loop unfamiliarity.