OREANDA-NEWS. Hitachi Rail Europe Ltd. today announced that it has signed a contract with Network Rail for implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) on two Class 37 locomotives. The project work includes the design, vehicle modification, ETCS installation, testing and commissioning of Hitachi's ETCS for West Coast Railways, for operational use on the Cambrian Line European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in Wales, for scheduled completion in August 2015.

This contract follows the successful proof of concept of Hitachi ETCS on a Class 97 Locomotive ('Verification-Train 3' trial) which tested interoperability with a separate supplier's groundside system in use on the Network Rail Cambrian Line infrastructure.

Also, Hitachi recently obtained certification from a Notified Body of the on-board system in accordance with the Control Command and Signalling TSI (Technical Specification for Interoperability) 2012/88/EU and 2012/696/E. This being achieved through a rigorous formal assessment process and demonstrating compliance with relevant TSI and EN norms to the highest Safety Integrity Level 4.

This is Hitachi's first formal order received for ETCS, which recognises the intensive development, testing and certification of the system over the last 7 years to the European TSI and associated subsets. This in-cab radio based signalling system will also be implemented on the concurrent Intercity Express Programme Class 800/801 rolling stock for Great Western and East Coast Main Lines.

ETCS is a common signalling system which has been developed throughout Europe to enable train services to cross frontiers and boundaries between different countries without the need to change signalling systems or locomotives. ETCS is a technical sub-system alongside GSM-R and Operational Control, collectively making ERTMS, and many systems have already been deployed in Europe, and also in China and India.

In the UK Hitachi is continuing to support the essential Network Rail National Programme for ETCS rollout on-board Passenger and Freight vehicles, and is developing other programmes around the world, in order to realise the operational and cost benefits of a radio-based cab signalling system with a reduced trackside infrastructure.