On the radio

Siemens has secured a £24m contract with Network Rail to supply the British rail fleet with several thousand GSM-R cab radios over the next three years.

Over the last three years, Siemens, Network Rail, and the Association of Train Operating Companies have collaborated in developing equipment in order to improve rail reliability and safety. The contract will enable Network Rail to establish its new Railway Communications System (RCS) in order to allow train drivers to communicate with signallers throughout the country.

In addition to the supply of radios, the contract includes fitment details for the 76 individual cab types currently in operation. Successful product trials on more than 200 cab fitmets have taken place in Scotland and the first GSM-Rs are scheduled for delivery in July.