New digital signalling technology set to be installed on TPE trains to boost safety and reliability of rail travel

TransPennine Express (TPE) will prepare for the future of rail travel by upgrading its current fleet of Class 185 trains with the European Train Control System (ETCS), a next-generation digital signalling technology that will improve safety, reliability, and customer experience over the long term.

Work to install this equipment is being planned well in advance, with the timing for the operational use of ETCS to be confirmed at a later stage.

The railway network is expected to face significant congestion, as outdated signalling systems will continue to create performance and capacity constraints.

The introduction of ETCS will tackle these challenges by allowing trains to run closer together without compromising safety, enabling more frequent services on existing tracks and helping to minimise delays.

ETCS will replace traditional railway signals with real-time updates on train speeds and braking distances, delivered directly to the driver’s cab.

By providing real-time information about the position and speed of trains, ETCS allows for better control of train movements. The continuous monitoring of train speed and position leads to a higher level of safety compared to traditional signalling systems.

The system’s resilience is expected to improve recovery from disruptions, reducing maintenance issues and lessening the need for engineering work.

This upgrade will be a key part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project, a multi-billion-pound investment set to improve rail connections between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.

In March 2025, the government announced the latest funding for TRU, with an additional investment of £415m to enable further progress on the programme. This funding will also support the future installation of ETCS.

Chris Nutton, TRU & Major Projects Director at TransPennine Express, said: “The introduction of ETCS on our Class 185 fleet will represent a major step forward for rail travel.

“This technology will not only enhance safety and reliability but also support the broader Transpennine Route Upgrade.

“We’re proud to work alongside Eversholt Rail and Siemens Mobility to deliver a more modern, high-performing railway for our customers.”

The work will be carried out at Siemens Mobility's Ardwick depot in collaboration with Eversholt, who have ownership of TPE’s Class 185 trains.

Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO and Managing Director, Rolling Stock and Customer Services, Siemens Mobility UK&I said: “We are pleased to be working with TransPennine Express and Eversholt Rail to enhance passenger journeys, upgrading our Class 185 fleet with ETCS digital signalling technology as part of Siemens Mobility’s mission to transform rail travel."

Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director at Eversholt Rail, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with TransPennine Express and Siemens to deliver this programme across our Class 185 fleet.

“Roll out of ETCS on the Class 185 is a key part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade and we are pleased to be a part of this significant project.”