Network Rail has announced that a significant milestone has been reached in the introduction of digital in-cab signalling.
Dynamic testing has now been completed for ETCS in key passenger and freight trains, marking a major step forward. This comes as Govia Thameslink’s Great Northern Class 387/1 Electrostar 387101 and DB Cargo’s Class 66 loco 66039 have both completed testing in a number of operational scenarios.
When it comes to their respective fleets, both of these trains are the First in Class, with the Class 66 being the principle freight fleet across Britain, and the Electrostar being in wide use across the South East of England.
Industry Partnership Director for ECDP at Network Rail, Ed Akers, said:
“This is significant progress with two strategically important fleets. Our partners have worked hard on both these projects to get to this point – those efforts will provide ongoing benefits with durable designs for key fleets. Preparing all the fleets is ECDP’s biggest challenge, but the facilities at RIDC are helping us take big steps forward toward a digital future.”
Testing took place at the Rail Innovation and Development Centre in Melton, with this stage being vital in preparing fleets for the introduction of digital in-cab signalling. That work is part of the East Coast Digital Programme, and will be developed further with the introduction of the European Train Control System.
Fault-free running mileage accumulation is the next step for both trains, as they progress to the next step of the approval process.
Image credit: Network Rail
