In a UK-first, a digitally-signalled train has successfully run on an intercity mainline route.

In the early hours of Sunday (June 2), a Great Northern Class 717 ran in test conditions between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin using the European Train Control System (ETCS), which sends signalling information direct to a computer screen in the driver’s cab.

ETCS will enable a more reliable, more efficient and greener railway for passengers and freight customers, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) says.

Sunday’s test was part of the early stages of an ongoing process to prove that the trains – already fitted with the necessary on-board technology – work with the new digital signalling infrastructure on this section of the East Coast Main Line.

Testing is taking place overnight and at weekends to minimise disruption to passengers as much as possible.

The testing process will continue until mid 2025 to ensure complete assurance of the new system’s safety and reliability, with the first passenger and freight digital signalling operations expected to start soon afterwards.

Oliver Turner, head of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) at Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Great Northern, said: "We’re proud our Class 717 train and ERTMS team were instrumental to this landmark use of digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line.

"This weekend’s testing marks the very first step in an intensive testing process to ensure the system is safe.

"We are working closely with the rest of the industry to share the lessons we’ve learned – and continue to learn – from introducing and operating ETCS on the Northern City Line and Thameslink route across the heart of London."