More DB Cargo UK '66s' to be fitted with ETCS after operator signs deal with Siemens Mobility

Nine more DB Cargo UK Class 66s are to fitted with European Train Control System (ETCS) by the end of March 2026.

The freight operator has signed a contract with Siemens Mobility to fit the in-cab signalling system at its Toton Traction Maintenance Depot from July.

DB says the work is the first phase of a national programme which will eventually lead to all of its Class 66s being fitted with ETCS as part of the roll-out of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in the UK.

The initial roll-out of ERTMS is on the East Coast Main Line in a £1.4 billion project.

ETCS is already fitted to one DB ‘66’ (66039), which has recently undergone dynamic testing at Network Rail’s Innovation and Development Centre.

Jon Harman, Head of Asset Management and Maintenance at DB, said: “This contract award has been secured on the back of the hard work and dedication of our maintenance and engineering colleagues and represents a significant boost to our order book.

“DB Cargo UK is very proud of the industry-leading role we continue to play in the delivery of ERTMS here in the UK which will deliver a more dynamic, reliable and safer railway for all those who use it.”

Mobilisation work at Toton to ahead of the new contract with Siemens Mobility has begun. It will include the installation of a new load bank, wash plant and overhead cranes, as well as new accommodation for Siemens staff.

Siemens Mobility’s Joint CEO and Managing Director Rail Infrastructure UK&I, Rob Morris, said: “Following the successful first-in-class fitment, the complexity of integrating ETCS across multiple design variants has truly showcased the skill, precision, and dedication of our engineering teams. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with DB Cargo UK, Network Rail and the East Coast Digital Programme on this exciting project.”

Emily Woodward, Network Rail’s Senior Sponsor (Freight) for the East Coast Digital Partnership, described the contract as an “exciting step on the journey to a digital railway, which will contribute to rail freight’s growth by helping freight trains operate more efficiently on the network”.