Hundreds of thousands of rail travellers faced delays of an hour or more on Thursday after the Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R) system failed. The disruption affected numerous train operators across the country, causing significant inconvenience for passengers.
What is GSM-R?
GSM-R is a digital communication network designed for secure communication between train drivers and signallers. It was rolled out between 2007 and 2014 at a cost of £1.9bn. The system aims to improve safety, reduce delays, and enhance performance by replacing older, less efficient communication methods.
Key Features
A key feature of GSM-R is a 'big red button' that triggers a Railway Emergency Call, capable of halting all trains in a local area. This emergency function is critical for preventing accidents and ensuring rapid response in dangerous situations.
Previous Failures
Part of the GSM-R system failed in December 2024, causing widespread disruption for train operators across the country. The latest failure has reignited concerns about the reliability of the aging infrastructure.
Rail industry experts are calling for urgent upgrades to the system to prevent future disruptions. Passengers are advised to check with their train operators for the latest travel information.
