LNER has successfully completed the first live operation of an Azuma train under European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 supervision on the East Coast Main Line, marking a significant milestone in the transition to digital signalling.
The breakthrough was achieved during overnight testing on 15 and 16 July between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin, where engineers, drivers and technical specialists put both onboard and trackside systems through rigorous testing at line speed.
The successful trial is the result of close collaboration between LNER, Network Rail, Agility Trains, Hitachi Rail and RailAdventure UK, demonstrating how industry-wide partnership is helping to deliver the next generation railway.
The tests enabled teams to assess how ETCS Level 2 technology performs in real-world operational conditions while also giving drivers and operators valuable experience of working within a live digital signalling environment.
ETCS is an advanced Automatic Train Protection system that replaces traditional lineside signals with digital in-cab signalling. The technology allows trains and signalling systems to communicate continuously, delivering real-time movement authorities and operational information directly to the driver’s cab display.
The system is expected to improve railway safety, reliability and operational performance while reducing carbon emissions and supporting more punctual services for passengers.
The latest testing represents another key milestone for the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which is transforming one of Britain’s busiest and most complex rail corridors through the introduction of digital signalling technology.
Gary Page, European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Operations Interface Manager at LNER, said:
"This is a hugely important milestone for LNER and for the wider East Coast Digital Programme. Successfully operating an Azuma train under test conditions, under ETCS Level 2 supervision on the East Coast Main Line is the culmination of months of planning, and collaboration across all the partners involved.
"The trial has provided valuable first-hand experience of operating with digital signalling in a live railway environment, providing important insights into how the technology performs. ETCS has the potential to transform the railway by improving safety, reliability and operational performance, and we are proud to be playing a leading role in its introduction."
The achievement also strengthens preparations for the wider rollout of digital signalling across Hitachi’s long-distance fleets operating on the East Coast route.
Chris Hobden, ECDP Programme Director, Network Rail, said:
“This is a valuable step forward in getting the LNER Azuma trains and the other Hitachi long distance fleets ready for digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line. With this testing we have now successfully used four different onboard systems on Welwyn to Hitchin.
“Bringing ETCS on to the East Coast Main Line is a huge challenge with a multiplicity of operators, fleets and onboard systems involved. Migrating regular services to ETCS will be a gradual process which we begin this year and step up in 2027. It’s great to see more activity out on the route as work continues across all our partners to deliver the benefits of the next generation railway.”
For Hitachi Rail, the successful trial highlights years of joint development work aimed at preparing intercity fleets for the digital railway era.
Mark Frost, East Coast Fleet Director, Hitachi Rail, said:
“LNER deserves huge credit for using the Azuma fleet to pioneer intercity digital signalling and drive innovation on the East Coast Main Line for the benefit of the entire rail industry.
“This successful testing milestone is an excellent example of the industry working together to deliver an integrated railway. It is the result of years of hard work and close partnership between Hitachi Rail, LNER, Network Rail, Agility Trains and LNER test train operator RailAdventure UK.”
The programme will ultimately see all 65 Class 800 and Class 801 Azuma trains equipped and ready to operate under ETCS supervision, helping to deliver greater network capacity and efficiency.
Miguel Frade, Engineering Director, Agility Trains, said:
“We are delighted to be facilitating the delivery of the East Coast Digital Railway, working in close collaboration with LNER and our industry partners to implement ETCS across the Agility Trains East Coast fleet.”
“Today’s milestone is a crucial step in enhancing the capability of all 65 of our Class 800 and Class 801 Azuma trains, which will ultimately deliver increased efficiency, capacity, and safety across the route.”
As the East Coast Digital Programme gathers momentum, the successful operation of an Azuma under ETCS Level 2 supervision provides another clear indication that Britain’s digital railway ambitions are moving from planning into reality.
Image credits: LNER
