Hitachi’s Intercity trains, which will begin running passenger services on the Great Western main line from 2017 and the East Coast main line from 2018, have begun testing digital technology designed to create extra capacity and relieve overcrowding on the UK’s rail network.
Intercity trains fitted with European Train Control System (ETCS) digital signalling technology carried out tests at Network Rail’s state-of-the-art signalling facility ENIF, in Hitchin. Hitachi used their advanced Baseline 3 ETCS inside the driver’s cab at ENIF, an improvement on the more common Baseline 2 version. Hitachi’s Baseline 3 ETCS offers enhanced performance on commuter and intercity routes, often the most congested and complex routes on the rail network.
The Intercity trains will carry out further tests at ENIF to ensure they are ready to use ETCS. Hitachi’s Baseline 2 ETCS has already achieved regulatory approval to run on passenger services, however further tests are required for Baseline 3’s regulatory approval.
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