Network Rail announced the procurement process to select a supplier to deliver and deploy the European Train Control System (in-cab signalling) on the East Coast Mainline (ECML), starting on the southern end.
“The procurement is being done in a radically different way and which will build on the key learnings from our Early Contractor Involvement programme. We seek a long-term relationship based on genuine partnership, extending for the whole of the asset life,” David Waboso, Managing Director, Group Digital Railway said.
The introduction of ETCS on the 160-km stretch of the ECML is the first major transformation programme under the digital strategy launched by the Secretary of State for Transport and Network Rail in May and endorsed by the wider rail industry and supply chain.
This first inter-city introduction of modern signalling, which will establish a high performance railway by increasing capacity, improving resilience, enhancing safety and reducing long-term operating costs, will act as a catalyst for further deployment across the route and the national network.
London North Eastern and East Midlands (LNE & EM) and the selected provider will work together on designs, plans, phasing, costs and realising benefits.
“This is the beginning of a journey and we are seeking this partnership early in the process to develop the best plan for realising a digital railway. This is a route transformation programme that will bring together the operational railway and technology providers to deliver real passenger benefits. We will work together to develop joint solutions, and the selected partner will act as our complete delivery agent for the technology and its outcomes. We are setting a standard for how digital railway is deployed and a new generation of partnerships are established,” Toufic Machnouk, Route Programme Director for the LNE & EM route, said.
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