East Coast Digital Programme ‘should set new standard’

THE Railway Industry Association (RIA) has published a new report saying the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) should lead the way for a national digital signalling programme and other major schemes. Amongst the key findings are that partners involved need to behave like an integrated business bringing all parts together, while working with train operators is also central to realising the benefits.

The RIA’s technical director David Clarke said: “The rail industry has a significant challenge over the next 15 years to replace around 65% of current signalling equipment and the only affordable way to do that is to use new digital technology. Such a challenge requires new ways of thinking and for the rail industry, Network Rail, operators and suppliers, to work together in a wholly different way.”