GTR carries passengers in 717 using updated version of ETCS

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), with Siemens Mobility, has run its first Class 717 Great Northern train in passenger service using an updated specification of the in-cab digital signalling software, European Train Control System (ETCS).

On Monday 8 July, unit 717020 ran on the Northern City Line using ETCS Baseline 3, Release 2 (also referred to as version 3.6.0). The train left Finsbury Park at 17.17 and arrived in Moorgate at 17.31. Since then, it has been running regularly in passenger traffic.

This specification of ETCS allows more flexibility for services to operate in a high traffic area by connecting the train to the trackside via GPRS instead of GSM-R (see editor’s notes). It will be needed to accommodate the high frequency of services that operate on the East Coast Mainline, as part of the government-funded East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP).

All 25 Class 717 trains in Great Northern’s fleet will now be upgraded to this software over the coming months and the baseline will also be used by all train operators on the East Coast Mainline.

GTR’s Head of ERTMS Oliver Turner said: “Only seven weeks ago, working closely with our industry partners, we created the UK network's first-ever ‘signals-free’ commuter railway on the Northern City Line between Finsbury Park and London Moorgate.

“Now, together with Siemens and Network Rail, we’ve successfully proved the use in passenger service of this updated version of the in-cab digital signalling software.

“This is the version specified through the East Coast Digital Programme to roll out digital signalling along the main line, bringing huge benefits to passengers, with a more reliable, more sustainable railway, lower emissions, and even better safety for passengers.”

Ben Lane, Infrastructure Lead and ECDP Project Director, Siemens Mobility said: “The Northern City Line project continues to show how our digital signalling can transform rail travel and transport. With this updated ETCS software on our Siemens Mobility Class 717 trains, we will see more digital network capacity for train and freight operators over the busiest sections of the East Coast Main Line route.

“In partnership with Network Rail and GTR, we’re already seeing the benefits of ETCS on NCL with fewer disruptions, lower maintenance, and smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers.”

Jonathan Daniels, Network Rail’s ECDP Integration Lead, said: “The new baseline level of ETCS is integral to achieving the introduction of digitally signalled services on the East Coast Main Line from next year. Its successful introduction on GTR’s Class 717 commuter fleet will be followed by its introduction to the various fleets that make up the high intensity of service on that busy route.”

ENDS

Editor's notes

ETCS upgrade

ETCS Baseline 3, Release 2 (also referred to as version 3.6.0) introduces the use of packet switched communication found in GPRS to alleviate a restriction on capacity on the GSM-R network which uses circuit switched data.

Digital signalling

Digital signalling, using ETCS is a proven technology already in use in many countries in Europe and elsewhere. The ECDP will see the first introduction of ETCS to an intercity mainline in Great Britain, and will provide the foundation for the future expansion of digital signalling across the network. ETCS is currently in use in the central London section of Thameslink and on the Cambrian Line in Wales, and now on the Northern City Line (Finsbury Park to Moorgate), in the first stage of ECDP.

More reliability: With signalling information being provided directly to the driver, via a screen in their cab, there will no longer be a need to maintain a large amount of lineside equipment involved with traditional ‘traffic light’ signals. As a result, the amount of signalling-related engineering work will reduce in the future by around almost half. Additionally, trains are sometimes affected by signal failures; moving to a modern, digitally based system makes this less likely, potentially reducing thousands of hours of delays, and making train services more reliable.

More punctual services: Digital signalling gives train drivers continual information about the safe maximum speed for their train. It provides drivers with additional information about the route ahead, that today’s fixed ‘traffic light’ signals do not. This enables more ‘efficient’ operations, helping trains stay on time. The new technology allows continuous communication between the trackside and onboard equipment. Signallers can continuously communicate with every train on the network and respond in real time using digital tools to help smooth the flow of trains and recover services more quickly after disruption.

Greener journeys: Digital signalling contributes to a greener railway. The East Coast Main Line is already electrified, and these upgrades will deliver a further 55,000 tonne reduction in carbon emissions over 60 years – the equivalent to over 65,000 one-way flights from London to New York, or over 2 million passenger train journeys from London to Edinburgh. This is because there is much less physical equipment to produce and maintain compared with what’s needed for ‘traffic light’ signals. The estimated whole life carbon saving over a 60-year period (the expected life span of a ‘traditional’ signalling system) is around 39%. The technology also allows gentler braking, meaning journeys are smoother and use less energy. Finally, a more reliable and punctual railway will encourage more people to choose rail over road and air, ultimately reducing transport emissions for the long-term.