London has taken a step closer to fully automated train services with the successful testing of an advanced signalling system that will allow trains to travel every two to three minutes through the ‘core’ of the capital.
Under the Thameslink Programme, Govia Thameslink Railway’s (GTR) new Siemens Class 700 trains used European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 in-cab signalling for the first time this week, following testing last year of a Class 313 test train.
Network Rail and GTR plan to use in-cab signalling on passenger services in London from 2018 at a rate of 24 trains per hour, with GTR suggesting the extra capacity will allow more trains to and from Peterborough and Cambridge as well.
This is another milestone towards Automatic Train Operation (ATO), which enables the train to operate automatically, controlling all phases of a train’s operation from acceleration to precise stopping.
John Killeen, head of fleet programmes for GTR, said: ‘Ultimately, ETCS will allow us to run our trains under automatic train operation at high frequencies through central London. This, in turn will create the capacity to run extra Thameslink trains to and from Peterborough and Cambridge, giving passengers fantastic new journey opportunities.’
Network Rail has revealed that overnight testing will continue in September, with the first trials of the ATO system between St Pancras and Blackfriars. A further 16 months of functional and operational safety tests are planned.
Paul Bates, project director for Network Rail, said: ‘This success is a testament to the integrated and collaborative approach taken by GTR, Siemens and Network Rail.’
Mark Ferrer, new technology director at Siemens Rail Automation, said: ‘The delivery of this ground-breaking system is also a clear demonstration of our ability to deliver the future digital railway, which will increasingly require the definition, development and delivery of these complex systems as the digital railway becomes ever more prevalent.’
The Thameslink Programme is due to take another step forward over the August bank holiday when two thirds of the new concourse at London Bridge station is planned to reopen.
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