Extra Moorgate services ‘dependent on ETCS’

The number of Great Northern-operated services from Moorgate could increase from the current off-peak frequency of six trains per hour from May 2019, because of spare capacity and improved performance offered by the new ‘717’ fleet.

That’s according to Govia Thameslink Railway’s Head of Fleet Programmes and Fleet Cascade Iain Nairne, who told RAIL that the 25 six-car trains on order from Siemens would only be required to operate 21 diagrams per day, providing GTR with sufficient spare stock.

He also said that compared with the ‘313s’, the new trains’ superior acceleration, maximum speed and braking technology could also shave “a few minutes” off current journey times, leaving scope to slot in extra services.

However, Nairne added that enhanced services would probably be reliant on Network Rail’s Digital Railway programme rollout, as in-cab signalling would be needed to reduce headways to the required level.

He explained: “Next May there is the potential for more capacity, but some of that is dependent on ETCS. Where we can, we will look to improve the timetable if the trains and technology allows us.

“We envisaged that ERTMS (digital signalling trackside equipment) would be fully fitted in the tunnels before December 2018. The timescales are currently unclear, but the main thing is that we have trains enabled to support integration and testing by Network Rail.”