Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is sharing its experience of digital signalling implementation with DB Cargo UK. As part of the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), traditional linedside signals are to be replaced by state-of-the-art digital signalling (European Train Control System, ETCS), providing a more reliable service for passengers and freight alike. The new signalling system will provide continuous real-time information to the driver's cab. The new technology is also expected to help reduce harmful CO2 emissions. The first stage of the signalling set will be introduced on the Northern City Line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate later this year.
“At GTR we’re learning a phenomenal amount about the implementation of ETCS. We want the community of operators in the programme to benefit from this, to save them time, cost, and effort,” said Oliver Turner, Head of European Rail Traffic Management at GTR and added: “That’s why we want to share our learnings with DB Cargo UK – and others across the industry – to make the introduction of ETCS the best it can be.”
GTR is already using ETCS on Thameslink Core trains - from St Pancras to London Bridge. The first trains to operate on the Northern City Line using the new technology are expected to run later this year and DB Cargo UK, therefore, considers it crucial to learn about GTR's approach to rolling out ETCS as well as the lessons learned so far from the project, in order to maximize the benefits of this new technology.
“GTR have given DB Cargo an insight into the direction we should be going in and areas to avoid. If we work in silos, no lessons are learned and no one benefits,” commented Casper Carr, Assistant Business Change Manager at DB Cargo UK.
