SIRA, which stands for Systems Integration for Railways Advancement, refers to a recognised challenge in various industries where there is a need to upgrade existing systems and integrate new technologies. Specifically, it highlights the European rail sector's significant challenge of upgrading its fragmented rail network to achieve interoperability.
In the Netherlands, the rail sector has also faced integration challenges. Examples of these challenges include the Dutch High-Speed Line (HSL), FYRA, ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System), and the introduction of new commuter trains. These cases illustrate the complexities and difficulties involved in integrating new technologies and services into existing rail infrastructures, especially when managed by different stakeholders.
The research on SIRA aims to address this principal challenge in the rail sector. It focuses on upgrading services to achieve interoperability and effectively integrating new technologies into the existing operating infrastructures. The research takes into account both technical and non-technical factors that influence the integration process.
To tackle the integration problem, SIRA research investigates specific research subjects. Unfortunately, the passage you provided does not mention these subjects explicitly. However, it suggests that the research aims to delve into various aspects of integration challenges in the rail sector.
In summary, SIRA refers to the challenge of systems integration for railways advancement, particularly in upgrading fragmented rail networks and achieving interoperability. The research focuses on understanding and addressing the complexities of integrating new technologies into existing rail infrastructures while considering technical and non-technical factors.