UK Launches Trials of ETCS Level 2 on the East Coast: What’s Changing for Passengers and Freight Transport?

The UK is preparing to implement the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 on the East Coast, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Network Rail, which manages the railway infrastructure, has conducted dynamic trials of the new system.

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The trials involved a Class 387 electric train, operated by Govia Thameslink Railway, and a Class 66 freight locomotive, owned by DB Cargo UK.

Testing began in the spring of 2024 at the Rail Innovation and Development Centre (RIDC), where the latest technologies are trialed.

The trials were conducted on a specially prepared section to assess the reliability and efficiency of the ETCS Level 2 system.

The system is designed to enhance safety and optimize train operations on railway mainlines.

A pilot operation is expected to start soon, during which the required reliable mileage will be accumulated by the rolling stock equipped with onboard ETCS devices.

After the successful completion of the trials and accumulation of the required mileage, the Class 387 electric train and Class 66 locomotive will be certified.

This certification will be a significant step towards retrofitting the entire fleet of rolling stock with ETCS systems.

The Class 387 electric train is equipped with the Atlas 3 onboard equipment, developed by Alstom, while the Class 66 locomotive uses the Trainguard 200 system from Siemens.

The certification will enable the mass installation of onboard ETCS systems on all trains of the mentioned classes.

This is an important stage in the modernization of the UK’s railway infrastructure, aimed at improving safety and transport efficiency.

The new train control system will allow for optimized timetables, reduced operational costs, and increased overall reliability of the country’s railway network.

Photo: Alstom

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