Colas Rail UK Advances ERTMS Readiness with Freight and OTM Driver Simulators

A comprehensive simulation programme to support ETCS Level 2 training for both freight and on-track machine operations

As the UK rail industry accelerates its transition to digital signalling and ETCS Level 2, Colas Rail is taking concrete steps to ensure its teams are fully prepared. Through a strategic partnership with Transurb, the company is deploying a full set of high-fidelity driving simulators tailored to both freight and OTM (On-Track Machine) operations, reinforcing its long-term ERTMS readiness.

Preparing for a Digital Future Under ERTMS

The implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) represents a major shift for UK rail operators. Adapting driver training to meet new digital standards—especially ETCS Level 2—is essential for operational safety, compliance, and performance.

Colas Rail’s simulator investment addresses these challenges through a two-phase programme targeting both freight and OTM activities.

Freight Simulation: Class 66 Training Underway

For its freight operations, Colas Rail has selected a simulator solution designed around the iconic Class 66 locomotive:

1 Full-Cab Simulator with motion seat

9 Nano Simulators for scalable, location-independent training

1 Instructor Workstation for scenario control and performance monitoring

1 custom train model of the Class 66

ℹ️ The Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the freight simulator software and Nano units is underway.

OTM Simulation: SRS Signed and Production Launched

To train drivers of specialised on-track machines, Colas Rail is expanding its simulator solution with:

1 Full-Cab OTM Simulator with motion seat

4 Nano Simulators

1 Instructor/Observation Station

1 custom train model of the Unimat 09 4×4

ℹ️ The System Requirements Specification (SRS) for the OTM simulator is validated, and production is now underway.

Custom Software and UK-Based Virtual Track

Built on Transurb’s modular simulation system, the simulators offer:

122 km of East Coast Mainline virtual track (King’s Cross to Peterborough)

UK signalling systems: AWS, TPWS, ETCS NTC, Level 1, Level 2

Realistic Class 66 and Unimat 09 4×4 train models

A Track Editor Tool allowing in-house track creation and updates

Immersive Motion Experience Enhancing Driver Awareness

To maximise realism, both Full-Cab simulators are equipped with a motion seat. This feature delivers physical feedback on acceleration, braking, and track conditions, enhancing driver focus and situational awareness during training.

Building a Scalable Training Infrastructure Under ETCS

By combining Nano simulators for distributed training and Full-Cab motion simulators for high-immersion sessions, Colas Rail is building a flexible, scalable, and future-proof training infrastructure. This dual investment positions the company as a leader in ETCS driver readiness for both freight and infrastructure services.

Amit Kanabar, ERTMS Business Change Manager at Colas Rail UK, offers insight into the collaborative dynamics that defined the partnership with Transurb:

Our partnership with Transurb has always been based on open communication. We ensured accountability and transparency throughout the process by establishing clear roles, frequent touchpoints, and important performance metrics. We benefited from their extensive technical knowledge by involving them early in our design and integration processes, which allowed for collaborative problem-solving and incremental improvements. We have remained aligned and agile by utilising shared data platforms and integrated project tools, and performance reviews and structured feedback continuously improve quality and innovation. Looking forward in working together on future projects.”

Colas Rail ERTMS & ETCS Simulation Programme – Key Questions Answered

ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) is a standardised signalling and control system used across Europe to improve safety, capacity, and interoperability. In the UK, it supports the transition to digital signalling with ETCS Level 2, offering real-time train control and enhanced efficiency.

ETCS Level 2 is a component of ERTMS that provides continuous communication between trains and trackside equipment via GSM-R. It eliminates traditional line-side signals and requires updated driver training using simulators to adapt to the new cab-signalling environment.

The simulators accurately replicate both ETCS Level 1 and Level 2 environments, including in-cab signalling, transitions between operating modes, and degraded scenarios. Drivers can train under conditions that closely replicate real-world operations, thereby enhancing their familiarity with ETCS procedures, interface dynamics, and safety-critical responses.

Transurb is a globally recognised leader in railway simulation technology. Their modular, scalable solutions offer high fidelity and UK-specific customisation—ideal for training Colas Rail’s freight and OTM drivers under real-world ETCS Level 2 conditions.

Amit Kanabar, ERTMS Business Change Manager at Colas Rail UK, highlights the strength of this collaboration by stating:

Our partnership with Transurb has always been based on open communication. We ensured accountability and transparency throughout the process by establishing clear roles, frequent touchpoints, and important performance metrics. We benefited from their extensive technical knowledge by involving them early in our design and integration processes, which allowed for collaborative problem-solving and incremental improvements. We have remained aligned and agile by utilising shared data platforms and integrated project tools, and performance reviews and structured feedback continuously improve quality and innovation. Looking forward in working together on future projects.”

Nano Simulators are compact and portable, allowing training to be delivered across different locations without needing large facilities. They offer cost-effective scalability and are ideal for theory-based and procedural ETCS Level 2 training.

The motion seat provides physical feedback—such as vibrations and movement—based on real-time driving conditions. This improves situational awareness, reaction time, and muscle memory, leading to better preparedness for live ETCS Level 2 operations.

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