“"Getting to this milestone has taken a lot of hard work by colleagues within GC, our train owner Angel Trains and our technology partner Alstom. I would like to congratulate everyone involved. However, there is much work to do before we are ready to begin ETCS enabled services on the mainline and we will continue to focus on achieving this goal."
“"It is a pivotal achievement for us to receive approval for a retrofitted fleet, and I am grateful for the hard work across all partners involved in what has been quite a challenging process. Securing this approval supports our progressive roll out of digital signalling on the ECML. The Grand Central 180 fleet will point the way for further major passenger fleets, to begin using digital signalling between Welwyn and Hitchin during 2027."
“"Reaching APiS for the Class 180 – our first passenger fleet retrofit – is a significant milestone and the culmination of years of hard work, determination and technical innovation. It is a real testament to the collaborative approach across Alstom, Grand Central, Angel Trains, NJRP and ECDP, and I would like to recognise everyone, past and present, who has contributed to getting us to this point. APiS is an important achievement but it is also the start of the next phase of our journey. Our focus now turns to supporting the fleet through fault-free running and towards ETCS Level 2 operation on the East Coast Main Line in 2027."
“"Retrofitting ETCS is highly complex and we are therefore extremely proud to have supported the achievement of this first in class milestone on our Class 180 fleet. Aside from providing greater operational flexibility, the fitment of ETCS supports skilled jobs within the supply chain and aligns with the Government’s Rail and Infrastructure Plan. We look forward to working with our industry partners in rolling ETCS out across our fleets in the future."
