Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), in collaboration with Siemens Mobility, has successfully upgraded one of its Class 717 Great Northern trains to the latest version of the European Train Control System (ETCS). This marks a key milestone in the government-funded East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which aims to modernise railway signalling on the East Coast Main Line (ECML).
On 3 February, unit 717020 operated for the first time on the Northern City Line between Moorgate and Finsbury Park using ETCS Baseline 3, Release 2. The trial, conducted with an empty coaching stock, was completed without any issues.
Fleet-Wide Upgrades and Signal Removal
Over the coming months, the entire fleet of 25 Class 717 trains will be upgraded. GTR is already running all its services on the Northern City Line using ETCS, and traditional trackside signals are set to be removed in May as the railway transitions to full digital control.
The latest version of ETCS will become the standard for all operators using the southern section of the ECML, enabling seamless integration with cutting-edge digital infrastructure.
Oly Turner, GTR’s Head of ERTMS, highlighted the long-term benefits of digital signalling. “The East Coast Digital Programme will eventually bring huge benefits to GTR and passengers, with a more reliable and sustainable railway, lower emissions, and even better safety.”
He also praised the collaborative efforts of GTR, Siemens Mobility, and Network Rail in achieving the milestone:
“Through the joint work of many GTR departments, Siemens and Network Rail, we’ve successful trialled this latest specification of the software. This puts us in great shape for ‘signals away’ on the Northern City Line in May,” Turner said.
Ben Lane, Infrastructure Lead and ECDP Project Director at Siemens Mobility, emphasised the technological impact:
“The Northern City Line project is a great example of how our technology continues to transform rail travel and transport across the UK. With our Siemens Mobility Class 717 trains linked to our very own ETCS software, we’re showing how to connect track and train with integrated digital solutions.”
The East Coast Digital Programme is a key part of the UK’s rail modernisation strategy, aiming to improve reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. As the Northern City Line leads the transition, the lessons learned will be crucial in rolling out digital signalling across the wider ECML network.
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