Great Northern has confirmed that in-cab signalling has taken a major step forward with the approval by the Office of Rail and Road to allow the Class 717s to enter passenger service using the state of the art signalling system.

This is a key step forward towards the introduction of digital signalling, which is part of the East Coast Digital Programme.

The authorisation from the Office of Rail and Road allows Class 717s to be brought into passenger service using Level 2 European Train Control System signalling between Moorgate in London and Finsbury Park.

Class 717s will begin running in service with ETCS once Network Rail completes its approval works to switch on the ETCS system.

Once this is completed, driving training will begin, with 250 drivers being trained to use ETCS.

The new system overlays traditional lineside signalling equipment, so both drivers who are trained to use ETCS and those who arent trained can still operate trains side by side.

Steve Lammin, Engineering Director at GTR, said: “Achieving authorisation to place our Class 717s into passenger service using ETCS is significant, both for us as an operator and the programme – it’s the first train to achieve this for digital signalling as part of the East Coast Digital Programme.

“It’s the culmination of months of hard work by the team – both within GTR and our partners Tailor Airey and Aegis – and demonstrates that we’re making real progress towards being ready for digitally signalled operations to begin on the Northern City Line later this year.”

James Airey, Director Taylor Airey, said: “I’m delighted that the Class 717 fleet has received level 2 ETCS APIS from the ORR. This is a major milestone for both GTR and the ECDP. Taylor Airey is proud to have been part of GTR’s team that worked hard to achieve this, and it continues our long-standing successful relationship with GTR.”

Mark McCool, CEO AEGIS Rail, said: “I’m really proud of the team at AEGIS Certification who apply their rail approvals expertise with impartiality to support GTR in the delivery of such a significant milestone for the digital signalling programme.”

Mark Swindell, CEO Rock Rail, said: “Rock Rail is very pleased that its Class 717 fleet is the first train to achieve authorisation to enter passenger service using state-of-the-art ETCS digital signalling as part of the East Coast Digital Programme, a leading digital signalling programme that is essential for increasing capacity and reliability on one of the busiest parts of Britain’s railway network.”