Media centre

Tuesday 20 Nov 2018

Network Rail seeks partner to deliver major digital railway transformation programme

Network Rail is seeking a private sector partner to deliver a major digital railway transformation programme on the East Coast Main Line (ECML).

The Railway Systems Integration Partner (RSIP) will be appointed via a framework contract worth up to £45 million over eight years. The successful bidder will work within the organisation’s London North Eastern and East Midlands (LNE & EM) route to lead industry in the development and deployment of European Train Control System (in-cab signalling) between King’s Cross and just south of Grantham.

The RSIP will be one of three partners assisting the transformations on the programme. Back in August, a process was launched to find a technology provider – known as the Train Control Partner (TCP) – to work on developing early joint solutions, and in early 2019 the search will begin for a Traffic Management Partner (TMP).

The RSIP will support the LNE & EM route and coordinate industry to deliver the digital railway transformation. They will be responsible for managing the integration activities and establishing a collaborative relationship with the route, its technology partners (TCP and TMP) and stakeholders including government, passengers, freight operators and train owners. They will also provide governance and assurance to the programme.

This section of the ECML has a once in a generation alignment of opportunities to deliver a cost-effective digital railway transformation. The train control system was last substantially upgraded in the 1970s so will need to be renewed, and at the same time many of the trains operating on the route have already been fitted with digital in-cab signalling technology, or are soon to come into service. This first inter-city introduction of modern signalling technology – which will increase capacity, improve performance, enhance safety and reduce long-term operating costs – will act as a catalyst for further development across the route and the network.

Rob McIntosh, route director for the LNE & EM route, said: “This is an extraordinary and exciting opportunity that will have a significant and sustained impact on the future of the railway and the economies and communities we serve.

“The RSIP will assist us to maximise the potential benefits of the digital signalling and train control systems by leading the industry through the change process and ensuring collective operational readiness on this complex transformation programme.”

David Waboso, managing director, Group Digital Railway, said: “Britain’s railway is in need of a transformative approach that takes it beyond the challenges of today, and this will create a mould for how a new generation of partnerships can be established that will deliver better outcomes, both for users and for how the industry works together.”

The introduction of ETCS on the 100 mile stretch of the ECML is the first major transformation programme under the digital strategy launched by the transport secretary and Network Rail in May, and endorsed by the wider rail industry and supply chain.

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Notes to editors

Network Rail’s Digital Railway Strategy was launched by the transport secretary in May 2018.

Digital railway is a cross industry initiative to transform the rail network for passengers, businesses, and freight operators, introducing modern signalling to increase capacity, reduce delays, enhance safety and drive down costs. ETCS is an in-cab signalling system that allows trains to run closer together, safely and to travel at their optimal speeds and braking distances.