UK to Expand GSM-R Service on Railways

The UK's national railway operator, Network Rail has announced plans to spend £24 million (US$33.8 million) fitting GSM-R based radios into the majority of the British train fleet over the next three years.

The entire network will be operational by 2013 with the system working in London and the South East and the South West by 2012.

The Railway Communications System will allow the driver to contact a signaller within seconds, which could prove vital in emergencies. Better communications will also enable train operators to recover from delays more quickly while keeping passengers better informed.

The rail network has been testing a GSM-R service near Strathclyde since October 2007, with over 200 cabs fitted as part of a trial which will run until Autumn 2009. This has progressed well with strong support from First ScotRail.

The first batch of these new radios - designed and manufactured in the UK - will be delivered to Network Rail in July this year with DB Schenker, First Great Western, London Midland and Virgin Trains being some of the first train operating companies to benefit from the new technology.

Michael Roberts, chief executive of ATOC, said "We welcome the large order for GSM-R train radios to a specification developed in close consultation with train operators. ATOC looks forward to further work with Network Rail on a range of key GSM-R issues, but today's announcement is a vital step towards timely deployment of the project for the benefit of all users."

Posted to the site on 28th January 2009