04.01.18
Siemens awarded multi-million pound ETCS signalling contract
Network Rail has awarded a multi-million pound contract for the installation of new state-of-the-art in-cab signalling systems to Siemens.
The company will supply, install and support the European Train Control System (ETCS) in-cab signalling equipment on the fleet of 645 freight trains operating across the UK.
Siemens says that the system will make the country’s freight locomotives safer, greener, and provide benefits for passengers through unlocking capacity and generating jobs across the UK.
The 10 year contract covers the initial addition of Siemens’ Trainguard ETCS 200 on-board system and the upgrade of the fleet’s Train Protection Warning System, with a further 10 year support period, which will see the company working alongside Network Rail and six freight operating companies (FOCs).
The contract is the first in a series which will ultimately see the installation of the system across the entire fleet of passenger and freight locomotives operating across the network.
Installation work will be undertaken by multiple stakeholders, including Network Rail, Siemens and the FOCs.
The support work provided by Siemens to each FOC will commence on acceptance of the ETCS installation on their first fleet vehicle
Rob Morris, managing director of Siemens, said that the company was “delighted” to be working on the “landmark digital railway project.”
He explained that the programme will be the one of the largest ETCS on-board retrofit schemes in the UK, adding: “This solution will allow the operating companies to continue to safely deliver a reliable service as ETCS technology continues to be rolled-out across the UK.
Over 150 engineers will work on the project, which will be delivered from a number of locations throughout the UK.
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