UK: Grand Central Fleet Approved for Digital In-Cab Signalling

Grand Central’s Class 180 fleet has received APiS regulatory approval for its ‘first in class’ fitment of ETCS (European Train Control System).

With this receipt of approval, Alstom’s fleet of 10 retrofitted fleet vehicles will now be able to operate with the use of full ETCS capabilities.

Grand Central – Arriva Group’s open access operator – will see their Angel Trains-owned fleet undergo a series of software updates before entering into an extended period of 50,000 miles of ‘fault free running’ this December. As well as this, the company’s drivers are now being trained to use Level National Train Control (L-NTC) mode, which enables drivers to operate ETCS fitted trains over conventionally signalled routes.

ETCS replaces traditional lineside signals with digital in-cab signalling, and allows the signalling system and trains to communicate continuously, providing real-time information directly to a computer screen situated in the driver’s cab. It is expected to boost reliability, reduce carbon emissions and provide a more punctual service for customers.

The fleet is expected to be gin using digital in-cab signalling (ETCS Level 2) on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) between Welwyn and Hitchin by spring 2027.

Chris Hobden, Network Rail’s programme director, ECDP, said:

It is a pivotal achievement for us to receive approval for a retrofitted fleet, and I am grateful for the hard work across all partners involved in what has been quite a challenging process.

Securing this approval supports our progressive roll out of digital signalling on the ECML. The Grand Central 180 fleet will point the way for further major passenger fleets, to begin using digital signalling between Welwyn and Hitchin during 2027.

The East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) will introduce digital in-cab signalling on the southern part of the East Coast Main Line, and, in 2025, it delivered the country’s very-first ‘so signal’ commuter railway between Finsbury Park and Moorgate.

Since August 2026, a selection of Great Northern services have been using digital signalling in the Welwyn to Hitchin area on the East Coast Main Line, with more fleets and services expected to begin using digital signalling during 2027 – including the aforementioned Grand Central Class 180 fleet.