THE Department for Transport has unveiled the next stage of plans for modernising the railway by launching a Digital Rail Strategy.
Chris Grayling, Transport secretary, told the audience at an event in York that digital signalling will now be extended to the Northern Transpennine route. A major upgrade is due to start next year on the line between Manchester and York. Furthermore, the DfT said Mr Graying and outgoing Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne will ‘commit to ensuring all new trains and signalling are digital or digital ready from 2019. They will also set out that they want to see digital rail technology benefiting passengers across the network over the next decade.’
The new strategy has been welcomed by companies in the rail supply chain. Railway Industry Association chief executive Darren Caplan said: “We live in a digital age, and rail should be at the forefront of the Government’s plans to modernise major transport infrastructure.
