UK Rail: GTR, Siemens ETCS Upgrade, Northern City Line

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Introduction

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), in partnership with Siemens Mobility, has upgraded its 25 Class 717 trains operating on the Northern City Line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate in London to the latest European Train Control System (ETCS) version 3.6.0.

ETCS Upgrade Implementation

The upgrade of the 25 Class 717 trains involved transitioning to ETCS Baseline 3, Release 2 (version 3.6.0). This system utilizes General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) for communication between trains and trackside systems, replacing the Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R). The implementation aims to support increased service frequencies in high-traffic areas. The ETCS version 3.6.0 introduces packet-switched communication via GPRS, addressing capacity constraints linked to circuit-switched data on the GSM-R network. The upgrade was completed within three months.

Project Context and Integration

This upgrade is part of the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which is funded by the UK government. The ECDP is set to introduce ETCS to an intercity mainline in Great Britain for the first time. The deployment of ETCS is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 55,000 tonnes over a period of 60 years. ETCS has already been deployed on sections of the Thameslink route in central London and the Cambrian Line in Wales as part of the first stage of ECDP. All East Coast Main Line train operators will progressively adopt ETCS 3.6.0 operation. The East Coast Main Line has already been electrified.

Operational Milestones

In May, the Northern City Line became the first UK commuter railway to operate without traditional trackside signals. In July, GTR and Siemens Mobility launched the first Class 717 train equipped with updated ETCS in-cab digital signalling software.

Contract Award

In April, Telent secured a contract to maintain and manage customer information systems for Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) across its UK network.

Conclusion

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), along with Siemens Mobility, has successfully upgraded its Class 717 trains on the Northern City Line to ETCS version 3.6.0. This project is part of the East Coast Digital Programme, which aims to modernize the UK rail network. The upgrades are designed to increase capacity and reliability while reducing carbon emissions.

Company Summary

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR): Operates train services in the UK, including the Northern City Line.

Siemens Mobility: A provider of transport solutions, collaborated with GTR on the ETCS upgrade.

Telent: A company that won a contract to maintain and manage customer information systems for GTR.

Technology

European Train Control System (ETCS): A signaling system designed to enhance railway safety and efficiency. The Class 717 trains were upgraded to ETCS Baseline 3, Release 2 (version 3.6.0).

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS): A packet-oriented mobile data service, used by ETCS version 3.6.0 to link trains to trackside systems.

Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R): The standard for railway communication, which GPRS is replacing in this upgrade.

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