13.05.16
Alstom to install ETCS on Grand Central Class 180
Angel Trains have signed a contract for Alstom to design and install the Atlas 200 European Train Control System (ETCS) on an East Coast Main Line (ECML) Class 180 train.
If the installation goes well, the ETCS will be installed on all 14 Class 180s, which are diesel units operated by Grand Central on the ECML.
Alstom’s ETCS, the Atlas 200, is designed to ensure passenger safety and reduce signalling risks at high speed through electronic automation.
Henrik Anderberg, acting managing director for Alstom UK & Ireland, said: “Alstom is the world leader in European Rail Traffic Management Systems (ERTMS) and ETCS on-board systems.
“Atlas 200 has been proven on all types of railway lines – from very high-speed to mixed traffic to freight. The award of this contract with Angel Trains builds on the global success of Alstom’s signalling solution and highlights that UK rail operators have confidence in a proven system. ”
Alstom is also providing ETCS on Eversholt’s class 365 trains. The National Joint ROSCO Project consortium, consisting of Eversholt, Angel and Porterbrook, is tendering a number of contracts for the provision of ECTS on UK passenger trains as part of the Digital Railway vision for increasing capacity.
Mark Hicks, technical director at Angel Trains, said: “We are pleased to be incorporating these first of class Alstom ETCS fittings to further enhance the safety of our fleets.
“Angel Trains is fully supportive of this European initiative. We are one of the safest railways in Europe and we expect further positive results from these new technologies as they are integrated into the wider fleet.”
The Atlas 200 has already completed over 200 million kilometres of commercial operations in European and Asia/Pacific countries. The contract also incorporates the design for fitment on another train, Class 175.
The latest edition of RTM features an article on Alstom’s new TrainScanner, which is designed to automatically detect maintenance faults in Virgin’s fleet of Pendolinos.
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