It’s full steam ahead as rail goes digital

TRAINS are to undergo a ‘digital revolution’ next year, the Transport Secretary has announced.

All new trains and rail signalling will be digital or digitalready from next year to reduce overcrowding and cut delays.

Chris Grayling described the move as a ‘digital rail revolution’ and Network Rail’s chief executive Mark Carne called it the biggest breakthrough for passengers since steam trains were replaced with diesel trains more than 50 years ago.

Much of Britain’s rail signalling uses line-side traffic lights controlling trains. But Network Rail will install digital versions to enable trains to run closer together, boosting their frequency, speed and reliability.

The technology is being used to add capacity for 40,000 more passengers on trains through London Bridge later this month.