ERTMS®
The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS®) – a unique train control technology designed to make interoperable European railways
In a global economy, rail is able to absorb ever-growing transport demand. This will be key in positioning the sector as a competitive alternative to road transportation. Currently, European rail transport suffers disruptions as 20 distinct, concurrently operating signalling systems serve as relics of a more divided past. These different systems are major obstacles to the sector achieving peak competitiveness.
The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS®), universal and EU-compatible signalling, is an innovative technical solution designed to support increasing demand and improve railway capacity. With more than 100,000 km of contracted tracks – more than 50% outside of Europe – it has established itself as a global standard.
By equipping its network with ERTMS®, a country becomes available to any train fitted with the system’s on-board equipment. In the long term, equipping pan-European corridors with ERTMS® will greatly improve the competitiveness of rail transport, as trains will only need one signalling system to cross borders.
The full interoperability, safety and performance benefits of ERTMS® can only be realised if national investments are coordinated throughout international corridors. Cross-border connections and strategic coordination under the EU umbrella are more than desirable. This was officially recognized by a European ERTMS deployment plan adopted in January 2017.
For ERTMS® factsheets and further information, please visit: www.ertms.net
External links
- The latest version of the ERTMS® Memorandum of Understanding (2016)
- The European ERTMS® deployment plan (2017) (as published in the EU Official Journal)
- The European Railway Agency’s documents on interoperability
- The Technical Specifications of Interoperability for Control Command and Signaling ( TSI CCS )