On Saturday, 30th November and Sunday, 1st December, further testing of the European Train Control System (ETCS) took place on the East Coast Main Line between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin.

The European Train Control System uses in-cab digital signalling instead of conventional lineside signals, and is already in use in many countries in Europe and elsewhere.

It is being implemented as part of the East Coast Digital Programme.

Testing of the system has already been carried out on a Class 43 High Speed Train (HST), and this weekend’s testing used a Grand Central Class 180 passenger train and a Great Northern Class 717 commuter train.

Previous testing has also involved a Govia Thameslink Railway Class 387/1 Electrostar and a DB Cargo Class 66 in a range of operational scenarios.

To carry out the required test procedures, it was necessary to close the line to all other rail traffic between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin.

Few problems were experienced during the tests, and brings the project a step closer to the time when trains on this route use digital signalling, which is expected to be from late 2025.

To minimise disruption to passengers, train operators work in partnership with Network Rail.

More testing will be carried out over the coming months, and this will involve different trains and sets of equipment.

However, to avoid any impact on regular passenger services, much of the work will be done overnight, The East Coast Digital Programme is a £1.4 billion where the traditional lineside signals are replaced with continuous information displayed inside drivers’ cabs.

The result will be more punctual and reliable services in the future.

This is not the first installation of the European Train Control System in the UK, as it has been in use for several years on the Cambrian Line in Wales and is already being used on the central London section of Thameslink and on on the Northern City Line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate.
More information about the East Coast Digital Programme can be found online at www.eastcoastdigitalprogramme.co.uk.

“We completed further testing to check the new system is working well under a range of scenarios. We thank all passengers whose journeys were affected for their patience. The vital work is bringing us a step closer to a more punctual, reliable and greener East Coast Main Line.”

Ricky Barsby, Network Rail’s head of access and integration, East Coast Digital Programme