UK Freight Drivers Train for Digital Signalling

Direct Rail Services (DRS), the rail division of Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), has installed new driver training simulators to prepare its drivers for the rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS) across the UK’s rail network.

ETCS is a digital in-cab signalling system that replaces traditional lineside signals. It has already been introduced on the East Coast Main Line through the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP).

Installed at DRS’s office at Regents Court, Carlisle, the equipment includes a ‘virtual cab’ simulator and several desktop simulators. Drivers can build familiarity with ETCS, practise responses to operational situations and develop decision-making skills without affecting live railway operations. The simulators were funded by Network Rail as part of the ETCS rollout, and designed and delivered by CORYS, a French train driving simulation company.

“The DRS simulators benefit from the latest UK ETCS platform, built with UK freight and passenger operators since 2018 and continuously updated as the real system evolves. Working in partnership with the DRS team has been a genuine pleasure, and their Carlisle training facility is state-of-the-art. We look forward to supporting the wider ETCS rollout as it extends across the network,” said John Madden, Commercial Director at CORYS.

Dale Howcroft, DRS ETCS Operations Specialist, added: “This simulator gives our drivers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with ETCS in a safe and controlled environment. It allows us to recreate a wide range of scenarios and support consistent, high-quality training that will benefit both our people and our customers.”