The implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) and the other components of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) continues to wreak havoc in the rail sector. AERRL, ERFA and ALLRAIL are now saying that things are currently worse than when there was no ETCS, as “its costs outweigh its advantages”.
The somewhat general confusion about ERTMS deployment is easily understandable. Initially, ERTMS was meant to include ETCS and the Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R). “GSM-R is largely (but not fully) deployed in Europe. ETCS is only deployed on 15 per cent of the European infrastructure in a highly fragmented manner”,
However, GSM-R runs on 2G technology, which is now considered obsolete. The plan is thus to replace it with the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), which would allow for the transfer of higher volumes of data. “Lessors and independent freight and passenger operators want to turn the threat of an even more chaotic FRMCS deployment into an opportunity to design a coordinated deployment of both ETCS and FRMCS”, the three associations underlined.
‘Keep the current version for the 10 years’
To make this plea reality, AERRL, ERFA and ALLRAIL put forward a few proposals. First and foremost, they are asking for one single ETCS variant for the whole of Europe. This variant should be the BL 3.4 (SV 2.0), “which should remain valid for at least 10 years”. One of the main issues with ETCS deployment has in fact been the continuous introduction of new ETCS types, which force locomotives to return to the workshop every five years.
Moreover, they are saying that ETCS-equipped rolling stock needs “to be able to communicate with FRMCS and GSM-R for a longer period”. The industry should consequently work on an FRMCS adapter solution to ETCS BL 3.4 (SV 2.0). Such a solution would provide a standardised element which will give certainty to the stakeholders. “No one has demonstrated that such an adapter is technically impossible”, the associations argued.
Newer ETCS version is not necessary
The BL 3.4 (SV 2.0) ETCS variant is meant to be replaced by the newer BL 3.6 (SV 2.1) starting in 2029. “The major difference between BL3.4 and 3.6 is a new radio standard (GPRS) which will become obsolete with the introduction of FRMCS starting a few years later”, the three parties pointed out.
In other words, there seems to be no need for the BL 3.6 (SV 2.1), as it would be enough to extend the use of the BL 3.4 (SV 2.0) until an FRMCS valid solution is found. The other requests made by AERRL, ERFA and ALLRAIL include “a broad consultation bringing together all stakeholders who finance ETCS” as well as alignment and commitment for a coordinated deployment.
RailFreight Summit
ETCS and the management of data will be two of the highlights at the RailFreight Summit, taking place in Gdansk, Poland on 8 and 9 April 2025. Carole Coune, Secretary General at AERRL, will take part into a panel discussion to better understand how rail freight data can be managed and handled in the context of ERTMS as well as terminal operations. You can find out more about the programme here and get your ticket here.