Grand Central fleet approval brings digitally-signalled high speed services closer
posted on 22nd Oct 2026 11:16
On 22 October 2026, the first digitally-signalled high speed services in the country have moved a step closer with Grand Central’s Class 180 fleet receiving the regulatory approval known as APiS for the ‘first in class’ fitment of ETCS. This paves the way for the fleet of 10 units, retrofitted by Alstom.
Grand Central (Arriva Group’s open access operator) will see their Angel Trains-owned fleet undergo software updates and then enter into an extended period of 50,000 miles of ‘fault free running’ in December. Alongside this, the company’s train drivers are being trained in using Level National Train Control (L-NTC) mode, for operating ETCS fitted trains over conventionally signalled routes. The fleet is expected to begin using ETCS Level 2 on the East Coast Main Line between Welwyn and Hitchin by spring 2027.
The East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) is a landmark scheme that will introduce digital in-cab signalling on the southern part of the ECML. In 2025 it delivered the country’s first ‘no signals’ commuter railway, between Finsbury Park and Moorgate. Since August 2026, some Great Northern services have begun using digital signalling in the Welwyn to Hitchin area on the ECML. More fleets and services are expected to begin using digital signalling during 2027, including the Grand Central Class 180 fleet.
