Signalling Solutions awarded a framework agreement by Network Rail for ERTMS-based train control solution

UK rail infrastructure owner Network Rail has awarded Signalling Solutions Ltd, the Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty Rail joint venture company, a framework agreement to design and develop a European Train Control System (ETCS level 2) using Alstom’s proven ERTMS technology.

ETCS is one of the components of the ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System), a tried and tested signalling system which will replace traditional lineside signals with a computer screen in every cab, reducing costs of maintaining the railway, improving performance and enhancing safety.

Signalling Solutions  will provide Alstom’s technology, already in successful commercial service in nine other European countries, in order to develop a UK capability centre at Signalling Solutions’ headquarters in Radlett, Hertfordshire. From here an ERTMS application will be designed and developed for Network Rail.

Commencing 1 April 2012, the collaborative framework agreement covers a one-year development phase in which Signalling Solutions and three other suppliers will propose their designs.

Successful designs will then be demonstrated on Network Rail’s new test site, the Hertford North Integration Facility. The first installation of ERTMS will take place on the Great Western Main Line from  2016.

Steve McLaren Managing Director of Signalling Solutions Ltd (SSL) said: “The award of this framework following the success of our conventional signalling projects, demonstrates Network Rail’s confidence in SSL as a delivery organisation and in our ability to introduce Alstom’s proven signalling technology into the UK environment”.

About Signalling Solutions Ltd

Signalling Solutions Ltd (SSL) is a 50-50 joint venture company formed by Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty Rail. Launched in October 2007, SSL is the UK and Ireland’s sole channel for signalling products and systems previously supplied by the parent companies, including Alstom’s Smartlock  interlocking, Atlas train controls for ETCS/ERTMS projects and Urbalis train control systems  for mass transit projects as well as Iconis traffic management technology.

In January 2012 SSL was chosen as a preferred bidder in Network Rail’s major signalling framework agreement. SSL will be responsible for providing signalling renewals and enhancements as primary supplier in three of eight geographical regions; Central East, Great Western Inner and Great Western Outer and will be the secondary supplier in four geographical regions; Scotland, Central West, Wales and Western and Kent and Anglia.

About Atlas, Alstom Transport’s ERTMS solution 

Alstom holds a 63% market share in ERTMS Level 2-compatible on-board equipment contracts. Atlas has proven its worth on over 1,100 trains throughout more than 40 million km of commercial service. In Europe, more than 8 out of 10 trains operating under ETCS Level 2 use the Atlas solution. Alstom has carried out more than 30 ERTMS projects in nine European countries, including the Rome-Naples line in Italy, the first very high speed line equipped with an ERTMS Level 2 system; the Mattstetten-Rothrist line in Switzerland, used by the largest equipped fleet; and the Betuwe Route freight line in the Netherlands, which is part of Corridor C.

Today, out of 1.200 trains delivered, over 900 trains fitted with Alstom ERTMS/ETCS on-board solution are in service. Some 1,500 more will come into service in the next few years.

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