Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), in collaboration with Siemens Mobility, has successfully upgraded one of its Class 717 Great Northern trains to the latest in-cab digital signalling system, the European Train Control System (ETCS).
This achievement marks a significant milestone in the pioneering East Coast Digital Programme.
On Monday, February 3rd, unit 717020 made its inaugural run on the Northern City Line between Moorgate and Finsbury Park using ETCS Baseline 3, Release 2. The trial, conducted with an empty coaching stock, encountered no issues.
The plan is to upgrade the entire fleet of 25 Class 717 trains within the next few months. GTR is already operating all its Northern City Line services using ETCS, with the physical removal of signals scheduled for May.
The industry is progressing towards the implementation of digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) as part of the government-funded East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP). This latest ETCS specification will set the new standard for all services operated by GTR and other operators, allowing them to utilize the most advanced digital infrastructure.
GTR’s Head of ERTMS Oly Turner said: “The East Coast Digital Programme will eventually bring huge benefits to GTR and passengers, with a more reliable, more sustainable railway, lower emissions, and even better safety for passengers.
“Working with our industry colleagues, we’ve been spearheading the introduction of ETCS and now every one of our Class 717 trains is operating in passenger service using the system on the Northern City Line.
“Now, through the joint work of many GTR departments, Siemens and Network Rail, we’ve successful trialled this latest specification of the software. This puts us in great shape for 'signals away' on the Northern City Line in May.”
Ben Lane, Infrastructure Lead and ECDP Project Director, Siemens Mobility said: “The Northern City Line project is a great example of how our technology continues to transform rail travel and transport across the UK. With our Siemens Mobility Class 717 trains linked to our very own ETCS software, we're showing how to connect track and train with integrated digital solutions.
“Working closely with Network Rail and GTR, we’ve already seen the benefits of introducing ETCS and when we move to no signals in May, these benefits will grow even further, reducing maintenance, cutting disruptions, and delivering smoother, more reliable journeys.”
Jonathan Daniels, Network Rail’s ECDP Integration Lead, said: “This successful upgrade on GTR’s Class 717 fleet establishes a new baseline level of ETCS which will be rolled out across all operators and fleets, providing services at the southern end of the East Coast Main Line. Once again, our Northern City Line pathfinder project is helping pave the way towards the ECML becoming Britain’s first intercity mainline to operate under ETCS control.”
Image credit: GTR
