DB Cargo UK has officially opened a new training centre of excellence at its HQ in Doncaster. The centre, which is a brand new build within the HQ complex, has opened in preparation for the introduction of the new in-cab signalling system, ETCS – the European Train Control System – currently the subject of a roll-out on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh.
The official opening of the training centre was performed on Thursday (28 November) by guests of honour Ed Akers, Industry Partnership Director at the East Coast Digital Programme (Network Rail), and the Civic Mayor of Doncaster, Councillor Julie Grace. The new centre features a Class 66 diesel locomotive full cab simulator as well as six ultra-light simulators, two instructor stations, training rooms, an agile breakout area, study rooms and a kitchen (#essentialofcourse).
Doncaster entirely fitting location
The impressive new training centre within DB Cargo UK’s Doncaster headquarters is now officially open. Councillor Julie Grace, who holds the historic and ceremonial post and title of Civic Mayor of Doncaster, and who normally reserves her chinas of office for receiving the king, gave the training centre a right royal send-off in front of several hundred invited guests. The Mayor then tried her hand at the controls of the simulator, driving an express freight train at full speed down the East Coast Main Line, just like the real thing that’s already in service with DB Cargo UK.
DB Cargo UK say that environmental sustainability has been at the heart of the planning, design and construction of the new facility. The building and the fittings have all used products made from recycled materials wherever possible and the most energy-efficient technologies. DB Cargo UK’s Chief Operating Officer Neil Ethell said the new facility would deliver critically important ETCS training to drivers, ground staff, maintainers and engineers alike. “Doncaster has a long and rich association with the rail industry, so it is entirely fitting that we chose our headquarters in the city to host one of our new training centres of excellence,” he said.
Keeping ahead of traffic demand
The prestige East Coast Main Line, the route of the famous Flying Scotsman express, covers a core route of just under 400 miles (640km) between London and Edinburgh, with branches to Yorkshire cities, including Leeds, and extensions to Dundee and Aberdeen. It is a vital mixed traffic route, carrying commuter flows, regional traffic and long-distance passenger and freight flows. The huge signalling upgrade programme, the East Coast Digital Programme, is designed to keep the route ahead of traffic demand and provide enough capacity to handle growing volumes of passengers and freight.
“Digital in-cab signalling will enable rail freight to operate more efficiently and reliably, contribute to its growth and help reduce carbon emissions,” said Ed Akers. “The success of ECDP depends on drivers, groundstaff, maintainers and engineers all being equipped for ‘next generation’ railway operations. Facilities like this one in Doncaster are critical to enabling people to flourish and enjoy confidence in new ways of working. I thank our DB Cargo partners for all their efforts in making this happen.”
As well as the centre in Doncaster, DB Cargo UK has also invested in a second facility at its depot in Wembley, North-West London, and a Mobile Training Facility (MTF) which will be deployed to key strategic locations across England, Scotland and Wales. The training facilities have been funded through the long-term deployment programme enabling the freight sector to be ready for ETCS implementation. It has been set up in partnership with East Coast Digital Programme which is pioneering the next generation railway in the UK.