TransPennine Express (TPE) is gearing up for the future of rail travel by upgrading its existing fleet of Class 185 trains with the European Train Control System (ETCS), a cutting-edge digital signalling technology designed to enhance safety, reliability, and the overall customer experience in the long run.
Preparatory work for the installation of this advanced equipment is being planned well in advance, with the specific timeline for the operational use of ETCS to be confirmed at a later date.
The rail network is anticipated to face increasing congestion in the future, as outdated signalling systems are expected to continue causing performance and capacity limitations.
The implementation of ETCS aims to address these challenges by enabling trains to operate closer together without compromising safety standards. This will facilitate more frequent services on existing tracks and help to minimise delays for passengers.
ETCS will replace traditional railway signals with real-time updates on train speeds and braking distances, delivered directly to the driver’s cabin.
By providing precise, real-time information regarding the position and speed of trains, ETCS allows for more effective control of train movements. The continuous monitoring of train speed and location leads to a significantly higher level of safety compared to conventional signalling systems.
The system’s inherent resilience is also expected to improve the recovery process following disruptions, reduce maintenance requirements, and lessen the need for extensive engineering work.
This significant upgrade will form a crucial part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project, a multi-billion-pound investment committed to improving rail connections between key Northern cities including Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.
In March of this year, the government announced the latest funding allocation for TRU, with an additional investment of £415 million to facilitate further progress on the ambitious programme. This funding will also support the future installation of ETCS across the upgraded network.
Chris Nutton, TRU & Major Projects Director at TransPennine Express, said: “The introduction of ETCS on our Class 185 fleet will represent a major step forward for rail travel.”
“This technology will not only enhance safety and reliability but also support the broader Transpennine Route Upgrade.”
“We’re proud to work alongside Eversholt Rail and Siemens Mobility to deliver a more modern, high-performing railway for our customers.”
The installation work will be carried out at Siemens Mobility’s Ardwick depot in collaboration with Eversholt Rail, the owners of TPE’s Class 185 trains.
Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO and Managing Director, Rolling Stock and Customer Services, Siemens Mobility UK&I, said: “We are pleased to be working with TransPennine Express and Eversholt Rail to enhance passenger journeys, upgrading our Class 185 fleet with ETCS digital signalling technology as part of Siemens Mobility’s mission to transform rail travel.”
Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director at Eversholt Rail, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with TransPennine Express and Siemens to deliver this programme across our Class 185 fleet.”
“Roll out of ETCS on the Class 185 is a key part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade and we are pleased to be a part of this significant project.”
