European Rail Traffic Management System

What is ERTMS?

The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is going to have a major effect on the British Railway System and promises to improve both safety and capacity on the railways. ERTMS is a scheme backed by the EU to improve interoperability of trains throughout Europe and improve signalling by creating a single European standard.

The ERTMS has two main components:

• ETCS. The European Train Control System. This technology means that speed restrictions can be transmitted to the train driver and will also mean that the driver’s compliance to the speed restrictions is constantly monitored.
• GSM-R, a radio system for providing voicGSM-R, a radio system for providing voice and data communication between the track and the train, based on standard GSM using frequencies specifically reserved for rail application with certain specific and advanced functions.

The plan is for the ERTMS to replace the number of different control and command systems in Europe allowing a seamless pan-European train system that can be more competitive as a mode of transport.

The Potential Benefits

It is hoped that this will bring considerable benefits to the railway sector as it will boost international freight and passenger transport.

The system can lead to increased capacity on existing lines and a greater ability to respond to growing transport demands: as a continuous communication-based signalling system, ERTMS reduces the headway between trains enabling up to 40% more capacity on currently existing infrastructure. In short, we can increase capacity on current track without vast infrastructure works.

ERTMS also allows for high speed services of up to 500km/h and should lead to increased reliability and punctuality.

Trial in the UK

In October 2006, it was announced that Network Rail would pilot the European Rail Traffic Management System on the Cambrian Line. The installation is due to be completed by December 2008. The line is 218km long. Should the pilot scheme be successful, the trial system is expected to be rolled out on other key rural routes within the UK. The installation will cost £59 million.

If successful, the DfT plan to begin a roll out of the system in 2011. It is hoped that this will be completed in 2038 when 72% of the Network is covered. This includes the entire UK TENs (Trans European Network) network.