Project summary
European Train Control System (ETCS) is a common signalling system which has been developing for the last 15 years to enable train services to cross frontiers and boundaries between different countries without the need to change signalling systems or locomotives. ETCS is part of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and many systems have already been implemented around the world.
Following on from the first UK ERTMS Scheme on the Cambrian Line in 2011, Network Rail followed this with a phased trackside and associated train fitment implementation programme, in order to realise the benefits of a radio based signalling system with a reduced trackside infrastructure.
Hitachi delivered a ‘Verification-Train 3’ project to trial ETCS onboard equipment in the UK. A locomotive (Class 97301) was successfully retro-fitted and tested on Network Rail ETCS infrastructure.
The V-Train 3 project was managed from our London office, with engineering development and signalling system support staff in Japan (Mito Works).