Following an international call for tenders, Grand Central has awarded CORYS the contract to design and build two European Train Control System (ETCS) train driving simulators for their Class 180 Alstom rolling stock.
CORYS’ experience with high-fidelity ECTS simulation worldwide and in the UK was a key factor in Grand Central’s choice.
CORYS is pleased to bring Grand Central compact state-of-the-art simulators to support the introduction of ETCS.
The locomotives Class 180 are currently retrofitted; the new simulators will help familiarise drivers ahead of infrastructure deployment.
David Neil, Business Change Manager East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) of Grand Central, said:
"The introduction of ETCS on part of our route represents really exciting times ahead for Grand Central and we will have the CORYS built simulators to support getting drivers not just competent, but confident with new ETCS system. This needs to be done without their knowledge of the existing signalling used elsewhere, waning as a result. The drivers need to become familiar and able to deal with a whole range of situations and scenarios that can be encountered and this is where using simulators provides so much value. We did shop around in terms of finding the supplier who could best meet our requirements, but with their experience, know-how and strong reputation combining with the essential ingredients we needed, it was an easy decision to team up with CORYS for this venture. I know this is going to be an effective partnership."