ETCS plays a major role in providing an efficient rail transport system by facilitating track-vehicle communication and by providing vital information to the driver. Its capacity to manage information in real-time is the key factor of the system. Therefore, operators should evaluate the ROI in order to assess the level of investments and benefits.
During 2014-2020, the authorities plan to allocate massive investments for the rail transport sector, due to their increased awareness related to the importance of this mode of transport. “Rail transport projects are so important that they determined an increase in the business segment, which makes us rethink business not only at national level, but also on a European and international scale. In this context, ERTMS and ETCS implementation becomes a priority and, in time, it will become mandatory for all EU member states”, said Michael Harting, Principal in the German Federal Ministry of Transport.
On an existing locomotive, the ETCS system can be integrated as a stand-alone solution. This will bring about changes in the driver’s cab to install the ETCS display, an additional ETCS cubicle in the machine room, an interface to the brake system, installation of antennas in the underframe and all associated cabling. This is important to assure a dynamic transition between ETCS and the existing ATP system, e.g. Indusi. At Bombardier we do this with a Specific Transmission Module (STM) which connects the Indusi to the ETCS system. Hence, the ETCS controls also the Indusi and this allows a dynamic transition. On new TRAXX locomotives we can achieve a further integration – combining the driver’s display with the ETCS display”, said Janis Vitins, Marketing and Product Planning Director, Locomotives Division at Bombardier Transportation.
Why is it necessary to install ETCS? “ETCS is typically cheaper than conventional systems. The operator has less benefit. Hence, since the Infrastructure benefits the most, it is suggested that they (or the State) should finance the ETCS onboard equipment, at least partly”, explains Janis Vitins.
In this context, ETCS is a cost increase to the operator – he has little benefit and has no direct monetary returns to finance it. “He can hope that track access costs are reduced, but mostly this is unrealistic. For this reason the operator should receive at least a partial subsidy”, added Vitins.
Operators may implement the ETCS system to better prepare themselves for the future, as the Swiss have done.
“Operators need to make the ROI assessment themselves based upon their individual operations. For specific countries it is important to understand the current state of interlocking system and when it may be due for a replacement. Combining interlock upgrades with ETCS is one means to progress more quickly with the ETCS implimentation”, said Peter Maass, Director Business Development / Eastern Europe at Vossloh Locomotives GmbH.
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