Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has shared its expertise with digital signalling on the East Coast Digital Programme, which is set to transform the East Coast Main Line, with freight operator DB Cargo UK.

The implementation of the East Coast Digital Programme will replace lineside signals with state-of-the-art digital signalling using the European Train Control System (ETCS). This will result in more reliable services for passengers and freight, with a resultant saving of 55,000 tonnes of CO2.

The European Train Control System will provide drivers with continuous, real-time information in their cab. The first stage of the new signalling system will be introduced on the Northern City Line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate later this year.

DB Cargo UK recently took a Class 66 locomotive to Govia Thameslink Railway‘s Hornsey depot, where it was displayed next to a Great Northern Class 717 train that has already been fitted with digital signalling technology.
The purpose of the visit was for DB Cargo UK to learn about Govia Thameslink Railway’s approach to rolling out the European Train Control System, as well as the lessons learned so far from the project.

Before the visit, the two companies had worked together for several months by pooling their knowledge to maximise the benefits of this new technology.

Govia Thameslink Railway is continuing to share its expertise with DB Cargo UK, since the European Train Control System is already in use on the Thameslink Core from St Pancras to London Bridge, and the first trains to operate on the Northern City Line using the new technology are expected to run later this year.

Oliver Turner, Head of European Rail Traffic Management at GTR, said: “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.

“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.”

Casper Carr, Assistant Business Change Manager at DB Cargo UK, said: “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.

“Whether it’s a freight operating company, a train operating company, on track machinery, heritage or charter, we are all in this together.”