UK freight trains to be upgraded with European Train Control Systems

Network Rail has contracted Siemens Rail Automation to install European Train Control System (ETCS) in-cab signalling on 750 of the UK's heaviest locomotives to improve safety and provide better use of the network with plans to retrofit the entire fleet in 2022. This technology forms part of the country's Digital Railway programme, and the government has invested £450m ($602m) as part of its National Productivity Fund. For the first phase, Siemens will install its Trainguard 200 (T200) ETCS on-board
December 20, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
5021 Network Rail has contracted Siemens Rail Automation to install European Train Control System (ETCS) in-cab signalling on 750 of the UK's heaviest locomotives to improve safety and provide better use of the network with plans to retrofit the entire fleet in 2022. This technology forms part of the country's %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external Digital Railway programme Digital Railway website link false http://digitalrailway.co.uk/ false false%>, and the government has invested £450m ($602m) as part of its National Productivity Fund.

For the first phase, Siemens will install its Trainguard 200 (T200) ETCS on-board solution, with its Level 2, Baseline 3 system on freight locomotives which operate across the county. It will work with Network Rail and the six Freight Operating Companies.

ETCS is designed with the intention of ensuring trains operate within safe limits and speeds. The system permits the driver to operate the train and comes with on-board equipment that can take control should it go over or be in danger of exceeding the limit. T200 comes with fall-back odometry and radar configuration as well as an Automatic Warning System and a Train Protection functionality integrated into the ETCS driver display.

Siemens and Network Rail will support Freight Operating Companies by training around 2,400 drivers on how to use the solution.

Chris Grayling, secretary of state for Transport said: “We are making the biggest investment in the railways since Victorian times and this includes £450m for integrating digital technology on our railways. This technology has huge potential to improve journeys for passengers and to boost our freight industry by cutting delays and increasing the number of services. Today is an important step towards our future as a digital railway that is fit for the 21st century."

More information is available on the %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external website Network Rail Website link false https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/freight-trains-in-britain-to-be-upgraded-with-delay-busting-digital-technology-in-multi-million-pound-deal false false%>.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Zebra Technologies completes its ZXP Series Printer portfolio
    November 19, 2013
    Zebra Technologies Corporation is presenting its newly-completed ZXP Series direct-to-card printer portfolio at CARTES 2013, highlighting the ZXP Series 1 which offers “a high-performance, entry level printer that meets low volume printing needs”, according to the manufacturer. If you go to the Zebra stand, also check out the firm’s recently enhanced ZXP Series 3 card printer for improved printer performance. “The recent enhancements and completion of the ZXP Series portfolio are in response to listening to
    Read More
  • Masabi: bespoke tech is holding transit agencies back
    September 30, 2019
    Sixty per cent of transit agencies looking to use account-based ticketing are struggling with bespoke technology which is slow to deploy and costly to maintain, claims Masabi. Masabi CEO Brian Zanghi says agencies have been “denied access” to systems that keep pace with technology in a cost-effective way and have had to invest in bespoke automatic fare collection (AFC) systems. “This has led to limited innovation with some agencies able to purchase the latest systems but leaving many underserved and left
    Read More
  • Iteris focus on Pico compact video detection system
    October 18, 2012
    Iteris will use the ITS World Congress to focus on the Pico, a compact video detection system. It is specifically designed for adaptive traffic signal systems installed at small-to-medium intersections with up to sixteen detection zones. According to the company, the system’s rugged and inconspicuous package reduces the potential for theft and vandalism. As video cameras are mounted above-ground, installation is far less labour-intensive and requires minimal traffic encroachment, thereby reducing lane closu
    Read More
  • Website traffic breaks records during Hurricane Harvey
    September 25, 2017
    During Hurricane Harvey the number of users accessing Houston TransStar’s website, www.houstontranstar.org, for updates on travel conditions peaked at more than three million unique visitors, more than a million individuals accessing the site on 27 August alone.
    Read More

Highlighted Content