Over the bank holiday, a huge step was taken in the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP).

Yesterday (31st August), the 08:05 Great Northern service to Moorgate was the first passenger train to run with digital in-cab signalling on the East Coast Main Line.

The new signalling replaces traditional lineside signals, with up-to-date information in the driver cab.

Services will become more reliable over time, which will come into effect as more services begin to operate with the new system.

Great Northern’s Class 717 fleet can transition in and out of the European Train Control System (ETCS) when moving in and out of the Welwyn area into the Hitchin area.

The section of line can be used for both digital and traditional signalling, allowing sufficient training to be conducted.

More services and fleets will be using the system from 2027.

“This is a landmark moment for this vital main line. Backed by £1.4 billion of Government investment, it’s a clear demonstration of our commitment to building a more reliable, more efficient railway that gets people where they need to be. 

“This is exactly the kind of transformation that will underpin Great British Railways as we deliver a simpler railway for passengers, with track and train working together as one to improve our network for the people who use it.“

Rail minister Lord Hendy