This week London experienced its first passenger train running through the city centre while fully under the control of the automated European train control system (ETCS).
The system communicates signal information electronically to the driver in-cab.
ECTS currently operates with both trackside infrastructure and an in-cab controller which reinforces the messages of conventional signals that can be difficult to see or register at high train speeds. In its final form, it will remove the need for trackside equipment altogether, saving on installation and maintenance costs as well as improving safety.
The first run followed trials, which took place over two weekends, to validate what Thameslink Programme project director Paul Bates called the 'technically demanding switchover' from traditional signalling south of the Thames to ETCS at Elephant and Castle, from where the new technology operates northwards to Kentish Town.
When combined with planned automatic train operation, the technology will allow 24 services per hour to run in each direction between London's Blackfriars and St Pancras International stations at peak times – part of a strategy aimed at speeding up north-south rail travel across the capital.
On completion of the Thameslink Programme in 2018 trains, trains will be able to switch between both types of signalling system, and between manual and automatic train control.
On-board ETCS equipment will be able to take charge if the driver breaks a pre-set speed limit or schedule for distance travelled.
The aim is to achieve interoperability of standards for high-speed rail across Europe.
