Porterbrook and Bombardier Transportation have signed a framework agreement to fit digital onboard signalling to Electrostar trains.
Under the agreement, Bombardier will supply deliver the design work needed for the fitment of the European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment and the EBI Cab 2000 onboard Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, to all Electrostar fleet in the UK, the most numerous Electric Multiple Unit type currently operating on Britain’s railways.
The initial agreement is worth GBP 11.3 million (EUR 12.3 million) to design and fit First in Class (FiC) ETCS equipment to a Porterbrook-owned Class 387 Electrostar train operated by Govia Thameslink Railway. The FiC contract has been authorised by Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited as the lead rolling stock asset owner for the Electrostar trains supported by Angel Trains, Eversholt Rail, Akiem and QW Rail, under the National Joint ROSCO Programme. Once the FiC unit receives regulatory approvals, all other Electrostar train owners and operators will then be able to opt to have Bombardier fit the EBI Cab 2000 to their trains under the same framework agreement.
The project is part of the UK’s Digital Railway Programme funded by the Department for Transport through Network Rail and is managed by the National Joint ROSCO Programme (NJRP).
By fitting ETCS equipment, the trains will become ‘Digital Railway-ready’, so able to take advantage of Network Rail’s modern signalling and train control technology that will increase capacity, reduce delays, enhance safety and drive down costs. ETCS is becoming the standard signalling and train controlling technology on railways across Europe and beyond, and in the UK it is being rolled out on a national basis, starting with sections of the East Coast Mainline, Thameslink and Elizabeth lines.
Under the agreement, the equipment will be fitted at operator depots or Bombardier’s Ilford facility, and design work will be undertaken at Bombardier’s Derby facility.
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