Learning from ETCS Pilot Lines
Background
The Thameslink route is a vital commuter artery that runs north-to-south through Central London, carrying services over 50 miles to the north and south of the capital. To reliably deliver over 30,000 seats per hour through the core section, it was clear that European Train Control Systems (ETCS) with Automatic Train Operation (ATO) would provide the consistency and predictability that such a high-capacity operation requires.
Lessons Learnt from ETCS Pilot Lines
Building on lessons from the first UK deployment of ETCS on the Cambrian Line in Wales, Network Rail led a collaborative effort to meet the Department for Transport’s client requirements and achieve this historic transformation. Network Rail engaged with train operators and the supply chain, whose input was critical to the development of the operating concepts. The programme also reached out to political stakeholders and local businesses to ensure these views were captured.
The operating strategy that brings a high frequency of trains from two London airports and over 10 major towns, as well as London suburbs, drove the selection of ETCS Level 2 no signals with ATO. A Traffic Management System (TMS) assists the effective management of performance whilst inter-connected Customer Information Systems support dwell time improvements at the stations.
Technology development was operations-led, with comprehensive modelling of operational scenarios, including normal, degraded and emergency modes, informing and validating the technical requirements. Lessons learned from the UK’s pilot line helped inform solutions and manage previously identified risks.
Functionality was incrementally deployed through a series of Key Output States to help people, processes and technology transition to the final operational state, which is now in successful revenue service. This will improve the frequency and reliability of services for passengers travelling through Central London.
How We Can Help
At Network Rail Consulting, we bring an approach based on real-world experience. We pride ourselves on sharing our international expertise with clients and partners around the world to make projects a success. For details on how we can help or to contact a member of the team visit www.networkrailconsulting.com/regional-focus/australia/contact-us.
Katherine Stowe
Service Line Director, Systems Integration and Technical Services
Network Rail Consulting