Freight Trains to get Digital Technology to reduce delays

Network Rail has announced that a multi-million-pound contract has been awarded to Siemens to fit in-cab signalling to the UK's Freight Trains.

The UK's railways are becoming ever more congested. This new technology will hopefully help to make the railways less congested and better performing. The new technology will make better use of the network and provide more flexibility in the timetable.

Freight trains in the UK can be up to 775 metres long, and carry goods and materials across the country. They help to take 7.6 million lorry journeys off the crowded roads each year.

The new technology will help support the network as it enables more reliable running of freight trains alongside passenger services run by individual Train Operating Companies (TOCs).

Siemens Rail Automation is based in Chippenham. They will start installing the European Train Control System (ETCS) into around 750 freight locomotives. The work that is to be completed will create jobs in the UK.

What is ETCS?

European Train Control System (ETCS) makes sure that trains always operate within the safe limits and speed, providing safe movements through a display for the driver. The driver will operate the train but if ETCS recognises the distance or speed limit is exceeding. The onboard system will intervene to control the train and bring it to a standstill if necessary. ETCS is integrated into the already popular Automatic Warning System (AWS) and Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS).

Freight trains are at the front of the line for ETCS fitment, because unlike passenger trains, they are allowed to run across the entire route and pass through many route boundaries.

What did the officials say?

Chris Grayling

Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport said: “We are making the biggest investment in the railways since Victorian times and this includes £450m for integrating digital technology on our railways. This technology has huge potential to improve journeys for passengers and to boost our freight industry by cutting delays and increasing the number of services. Today is an important step towards our future as a digital railway that is fit for the 21st century.”

Pieter Rypma

Pieter Rypma, Key Account Manager at Siemens said: “This programme provides confidence to the supply chain that there is a strong market for digital railway technology in the next railway period. It is a framework for a long-term commitment to investment throughout the supply chain and provides job security across the UK. We are delighted to win this major contract and look forward to working with our freight sector partners”.

Rob Morris

Rob Morris, Managing Director of Siemens Rail Automation in the UK said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Network Rail and the Freight Operating Companies (FOCs) on this landmark digital railway project, which will ultimately be one of the largest ETCS onboard retrofit programmes in the UK. This solution will allow the freight operating companies to continue to safely deliver a reliable service as ETCS technology continues to be rolled-out across the UK. Having proven our equipment and delivery capabilities in a number of similar projects in Europe, our experienced teams are now looking forward to working collaboratively with Network Rail and the freight operating companies to deliver this digital railway project.”

Paul McMahon

Paul McMahon, freight managing director at Network Rail said: “This is a significant investment and underlines our commitment to the freight sector. It will assure long-term competitiveness through increased performance and is a key part of a cohesive portfolio of freight investment for CP6 and beyond.”

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