Japanese conglomerate Hitachi has received a certification for its on-board European Train Control System (ETCS) technology from a notified body of the European Union.
The certification came as part of Hitachi Rail Europe’s Verification-Train 3 project to test ETCS on-board equipment in the UK.
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A Class 97301 locomotive of Network Rail was retrofitted with the Hitachi on-board system to test interoperability with a separate supplier’s groundside system that is currently in use on the Cambrian Line.
ETCS is a common signalling system that allows train services to cross boundaries between different nations without the need to change signalling systems or locomotives.
The technology is part of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and has also been implemented in non-EU countries like China and India.
Hitachi Rail Europe will set up a new rolling stock manufacturing plant in the UK to replace the ageing fleet of Intercity trains as part of the Intercity Express Programme.
Hitachi is currently planning to implement train fitment for Intercity Express Programme (IEP) and other programmes worldwide in an effort to understand the benefits of a radio-based cab signalling system with a reduced trackside infrastructure.
The technology was endorsed through the rigorous assessment process after meeting TSI and EN norms at Safety Integrity Level 4. It was certified in accordance with the Control Command and Signalling Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) 2012/88/EU and 2012/696/EU.
Hitachi Rail Europe is a provider of rolling stock, traction equipment, signalling, traffic management systems, and maintenance depots.
