In a significant step forward for digital signalling in the UK rail network, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), in partnership with Siemens Mobility, has successfully upgraded its full fleet of 25 Class 717 trains to operate with the latest specification of the European Train Control System (ETCS). These units now operate in passenger service on the Northern City Line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate, utilising ETCS Baseline 3, Release 2—also known as version 3.6.0.
This upgrade marks a significant milestone for the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), the government-backed initiative aimed at modernising signalling infrastructure across the East Coast Main Line. The new ETCS specification introduces enhanced flexibility for high-frequency services by enabling train-to-trackside communication via GPRS rather than GSM-R, a key advancement for operations in densely trafficked urban corridors.
GTR’s Senior Programme Delivery Manager, Aaron Meakin, highlighted the strategic importance of the upgrade:
“Once again, innovations delivered on the Northern City Line are forging the way for the introduction of in-cab digital signalling on the wider UK network.
By upgrading all our trains to operate with this updated version of the European Train Control System, we’ve proven the concept ready for rollout to other train fleets.
Digital signalling along the main line promises huge benefits to passengers, with a more reliable, more sustainable railway, lower emissions, and even better safety for passengers.”
The project reflects a strong collaborative effort between GTR, Siemens Mobility, and Network Rail, with each organisation playing a critical role in delivering the upgrade within a tight timeframe.
Richard Cooper, Infrastructure Lead and ECDP Project Director at Siemens Mobility, commented on the achievement:
“The successful upgrade of the Siemens-built Class 717 fleet on the Northern City Line to the new ETCS specification marks a major milestone in our mission to transform rail travel through innovative technology.
Working closely with GTR and Network Rail, we are proud to be delivering a more reliable, connected, and higher-capacity railway for passengers travelling between Moorgate and Finsbury Park.
This achievement proves that an ETCS no-signals commuter railway unlocks a multitude of benefits on one of the UK’s most demanding urban corridors, and we plan to apply these lessons and improvements to the wider East Coast Main Line.”
Jonathan Daniels, Network Rail’s ECDP Integration Lead, praised the pace and quality of delivery:
“In less than three months the entire fleet of GTR Class 717s has been upgraded to the new baseline level of ETCS that will be used for digitally signalled services on the East Coast Main Line.
The excellent collaboration we had on the Northern City Line has continued into this project, and more fleets will now be upgraded ready for ETCS 3.6.0 operation.”
Image credits: Govia Thameslink Railway
