Case Study: European City Transport Operator predicts brake incidents and saves costs with PA Consulting's big data analytics

Using big data analytics to predict maintenance requirements

PA Consulting worked with the European City Transport Operator, a public transport organisation looking to improve tram maintenance by predicting brake incidents more accurately. The customer wanted to use big data analytics to move from reactive repairs to more effective planned maintenance.

PA Consulting built a pilot predictive analytics model using data from tram engine condition logs, driving speed and time logs, and rail network state data. The tool correctly predicted 67% of brake incidents, far exceeding the industry standard, and PA Consulting estimated the approach could save the operator around €250K per year by reducing emergency repairs and targeting preventive maintenance more precisely.