The future of European rail transport took a significant step forward with the launch of the FP2-MORANE-2 project, aimed at testing and refining the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) in real-world conditions. The project, co-funded by Europe’s Rail (EU-RAIL) and the European Smart Networks and Services (SNS JU) Joint Undertakings, is a crucial part of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), with the goal of enhancing the capacity, digitalisation, and competitiveness of passenger and freight rail across the EU.
The FP2-MORANE-2 project, which began on December 1, 2024, is set to run for 34 months and will test prototypes of the FRMCS technology across Europe’s busiest rail corridors. This work is vital for ensuring the new system meets the evolving needs of rail transport, supporting both existing applications like ETCS (European Train Control System) and voice communication, as well as enabling new services such as Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and data and video services.
The FP2-MORANE-2 project is part of the EU’s broader strategy to replace the aging Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R), which is set to become obsolete by 2030. By replacing GSM-R with FRMCS, the project paves the way for a more flexible and capable telecommunications infrastructure that can handle the demands of modern rail systems.
Through rigorous testing, the project aims to finalize specifications for FRMCS, which will then be integrated into the updated Control Command and Signalling Technical Specifications for Interoperability (CCS TSI) in 2027. The project will also assess the ability of FRMCS to improve rail service quality, capacity, and flexibility, making the rail network more competitive and sustainable.
The Horizon Europe-funded project, with an investment of EUR 13.5 million, includes six work packages designed to validate the latest version of the FRMCS specifications, which are endorsed by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). Prototypes will be tested in laboratories and on conventional and high-speed tracks, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of the rail network.
UIC (International Union of Railways) leads the FP2-MORANE-2 project, collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders from the rail industry, including UNIFE (representing the European Rail Supply Industry), national rail operators such as Deutsche Bahn, Infrabel, and Network Rail, and suppliers like Alstom, CAF, Siemens, and Nokia. Two mobile network operators, KPN and Telia, are also part of the consortium, alongside regulatory bodies and standardisation entities like ERA.
The project also marks a key opportunity for fostering collaboration across the rail sector, aligning with other EU-Rail projects to ensure seamless integration and cohesion. It aims to not only enhance communication systems but also drive broader innovation in rail products, contributing to the completion of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
“FP2-MORANE-2 represents a turning point for European railways, demonstrating our collective commitment to innovation and sustainability. By advancing FRMCS, we are supporting the EU’s vision of a greener and more efficient transport system,” François Davenne, Director General of UIC, said.
“The European rail supply industry is dedicated to making FRMCS a success as part of the broader ERTMS rollout. FP2-MORANE-2 will contribute to the delivery of FRMCS specifications for the new CCS TSI, facilitating the transition to FRMCS and laying the groundwork for future innovations in rail transport,” Enno Wiebe, Director General of UNIFE, added.
The success of this project is crucial for Europe’s railway future, ensuring that the continent’s rail systems remain competitive, sustainable, and equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century.
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