Railway communications remain on track

Train drivers should have digital communcations by 2013 as Network Rail programme moves ahead

Virgin Trains will be among the first to use the GSM-R system

Network Rail's much-delayed £1.2bn driver communication system moved a step closer today as the company announced that it will fit digital radios in most trains over the next three years.

The Global System for Mobile Communications – Railways (GSM-R) project was established in 2003 to create secure voice and data links between train drivers and signallers.

It was originally expected to be up and running by 2008, but budget constraints and technical issues have pushed the deadline back to 2013.

Extensive testing of the radios on railways near Strathclyde has proved successful over the past year, and the first batch of new radios will be delivered to Network Rail in July this year.

"This new system will be up and running within five years and will make our railway even safer," said Jon Wiseman, Network Rail's director for the communications programme.

"Extensive testing is also beginning to show real performance benefits that will improve train services for passengers and freight users."

DB Schenker, First Great Western, London Midland and Virgin Trains will be some of the first train operating companies to use the new technology.

"We welcome the large order for GSM-R train radios to a specification developed in close consultation with train operators," said Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies.

GSM-R relies on the GSM mobile phone network, a technology already seen as outdated in the consumer mobile phone market.