Alstom is one of the global leaders in rail signalling, with nearly three quarters of onboard ERTMS equipment in service being supplied by the French group.  The European rail network is very much interested as the system can be applied to all networks and all types of trains. The site of Charleroi is familiar with this kind of leadership. The ETCS/ERTMS competence center based in Marcinelle is dealing with more than 70 signalling projects all around the world. 

Their brand new project is presented as a milestone in the development of digital signalling. Alstom has indeed completed the upgrade of its ETCS technology, Atlas 200, on Network Rail’s Class 313 test train in the UK. It is now compatible with ERTMS Baseline 3 signalling technology.  This compatibility applied to this test train will now enable the company to carry out tests to provide the Paddington-Heathrow stretch of the Great Western Main Line with ERTMS Baseline 3 by 2017. 

This operation is part of the UK’s “Digital Railway” plan to reduce journey times for passengers, improve safety, reduce maintenance costs and create more capacity on the UK rail network. This is the third contract between Alstom and the United Kingdom to install its ERTMS Baseline 3 technology.