The UK’s rail regulator, the ORR, has approved Hitachi’s ERTMS signalling system for main line operation.
Trialled on the Cambrian line in Wales, the in-cab signalling system feeds into Network Rail’s wider Digital Rail programme and is key to drawing extra capacity from the UK’s railway network.
The system will initially be installed on the Class 800/801 trains Hitachi is building for the Great Western Main Line.
Andy Rogers, project director of Hitachi Rail Europe, said: “This is big step forward for digital innovation on the UK rail network and, once implemented, can deliver revolutionary benefits for rail passengers.
“Hitachi is hugely proud to be the first to achieve this milestone, which is a testament to the hard work of our testing and signalling teams.
“Our thanks go to Network Rail for its role in achieving this milestone and we look forward to working with them to implement ETCS across the network.
“Whether through manufacturing, new rolling stock or upgrading signalling systems, as a total rail systems business Hitachi is at the forefront of modernising the UK’s rail network.”
So GWR Class 800 and Class 801 IEP’s will have in-cab ERTMS. What about Class 802.
GWML and ECML are both being resignalled so all rolling stock will need to be fitted.
Right.