Direct Rail Services and Corys have announced that DRS has taken delivery of a suite of ETCS driving simulators supplied by Corys, funded by Network Rail as part of the East Coast Digital Programme. It matters because it lets DRS train drivers on live digital signalling procedures in a controlled setting before the technology goes live on the East Coast Main Line, removing risk from what would otherwise be on-the-job learning.

Direct Rail Services is a UK rail freight operator based at Regents Court in Carlisle, owned by Nuclear Transport Solutions, itself a government-owned business specialising in nuclear and general freight haulage.

Corys is a French simulation technology company with more than 35 years' experience supplying training and engineering simulators to the rail, nuclear and process industries worldwide.

The delivery includes a virtual cab simulator and a number of desktop simulators, replicating real-world driving conditions and ETCS operations so drivers can build familiarity with the system and practise responses to operational situations.

Corys said the DRS simulators use its latest UK ETCS platform, built with UK freight and passenger operators since 2018 and continuously updated as the real system evolves, rather than a generic international build adapted for Britain.

Tony Hewitson, rail director at DRS's parent company Nuclear Transport Solutions, said: "The introduction of these new ETCS training simulators marks a significant milestone for DRS and demonstrates our commitment to training excellence and the future of the railway."

Hewitson added the simulator provides a realistic environment that helps develop competence, confidence and operational readiness while maintaining the company's focus on safety.

Chris Hobden, programme director for the East Coast Digital Programme at Network Rail, said: "Making a successful switch to digital signalling is about people as much as the technology involved. Network Rail is investing in these facilities to ensure drivers have both the competence and confidence to drive in ETCS."

For the sector, funding driver simulators years ahead of a signalling switchover signals that operators increasingly treat workforce readiness, not just infrastructure installation, as the pacing item for major digital rail upgrades.

Source: Rail Business UK / Corys