The growth tendencies in the international transport demand have generated new challenges and changes for both infrastructure managers and rail operators. Thus, railway transport is confronted with globalisation problems which rise the awareness on the need of implementing latest technologies for delivering an interoperable and safe cross-border transport. This is where the interoperability concept intervenes. The interoperability of the traffic management system on the European network is vital, since “EU wants to stimulate railway market opening, a process which requires harmonised systems because traffic control systems vary a lot from one country to another and the different versions have caused problems related to the compatibility of transport operations. If interoperability is not harmonised, probably the number of traffic control versions will grow, resulting in the impossibility of operating trains”, declared for Railway Pro Poul Frøsig, UIC ERTMS / ETCS Project Manager.
Interoperability refers, on the one hand, to a geographical notion, between countries and projects (a train equipped with the ERTMS can travel on any other railway equipped with the ERTMS), and on the other hand, to a technical notion (a train equipped by a supplier can travel on any other infrastructure equipped by other supplier). This opens up the supply market and increases industry competitiveness.
ERTMS, as a single European train control system, is designed to replace the incompatible systems on the European railway network. The ERTMS system meets the demands of an interoperable traffic permitting the development of a harmonised railway system within the entire European area, reducing technical barriers in international transport and providing a single train control system. Moreover, it boosts the capacity of the railway network, as well as the number of trains capable to run on the same line.
ERTMS has two main components: ETCS (European Train Control System) and GSM-R, radio system which supplies data and voice communications between the rails and the train, using special frequencies for railway applications. “Railway operators want a strong and mature communications system. They want to enjoy high-performance capacity and flexible configuration options, as well as low-cost and efficient maintenance. GSM-R significantly improves the security, reliability and safety of railway services. For example, it boosts communication with trains in tunnels providing security in case of emergencies. In the end, the GSM-R will be implemented in all countries, as it provides interoperability and harmonisation which increase safety and the speed of trains. Engine drivers will be capable to freely communicate during journeys irrespective of the country they cross”, declared Laura Popa, Senior Account Manager Nokia Siemens Networks Romania.
As for the ETCS system, it was mainly designed as a European harmonised train control system that permits any type of locomotive to run freely on any type of railway infrastructure. The implementation of this system across Europe demands massive investments from both countries and the EU. “For a period of time, investments in implementing signalling systems, in particular on a specific line section, as well as maintenance operations and costs are damped with ETCS’ capital costs on the one hand and social costs for restructuring measures in operation and staff training on the other hand”, declared for Railway Pro Andrei Vuţă, Service Account Manager at Kapsch CarrierCom AG.
Interoperability is achieved when a system is capable and permits the operation on a common basis, with other technical systems supplied by different companies within pre-established parameters. “By using the ERTMS, many freight and passenger operators can reduce the number of different systems applied on their own rolling stock, as well as cross-border costs. ETCS, as part of the ERTMS, uses data and voice communications to replace the inconsistent command systems used all over Europe. Safe and interoperable, train control solutions can be adapted according to budget and operational constraints”, declared Henrik Klaner, Sales Manager at Thales (Germany).
In the future, the number of cross-border connections will grow, as investments are gradually coordinated in developing the ERTMS corridors. According to the ERTMS’ implementation strategy, by 2020, more than 25,000 km of pan-European corridors and specific lines will be equipped with the ERTMS.
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