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European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS)

MOBILITY & TRANSPORT

The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a groundbreaking industrial project initiated by the European Union to enhance the safety, efficiency, and interoperability of Europe's rail network. Matthias Ruete is the European coordinator for the ERTMS. The coordinator gives the necessary political impetus for the ERTMS project and the realisation of the MoU.

By introducing a unified Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and command and control system across Member States, ERTMS eliminates the technical barriers created by disparate national systems, paving the way for the Single European Railway Area (SERA).

What is ERTMS?

ERTMS is the European standard for managing train traffic and ensuring safety across rail networks. It integrates two key components:

  • ETCS (European Train Control System): The system responsible for automatic train protection and command/control.
  • GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway): The communication system used for train-to-trackside voice and data transmission.

Together, these systems ensure that trains operate within safety limits, respond to signals, and maintain a standardized, interoperable method for railway operations across Europe.

Key Features of ERTMS

  1. Interoperability: ERTMS creates a harmonized rail system that makes cross-border rail operations between EU Member States much easier by replacing incompatible national systems.
  2. Safety: The system enforces compliance with speed restrictions and signal status, reducing the risk of human error and improving overall railway safety.
  3. Efficiency: ERTMS optimizes the use of railway infrastructure by enabling faster, more frequent trains, thus improving the competitiveness of rail transport compared to other modes.

How ERTMS Works

ERTMS operates at different ETCS (European Train Control System) levels:

  • ETCS Level 1: This level is based on intermittent communication between trains and trackside equipment.
  • ETCS Level 2: Continuous communication via GSM-R allows real-time updates to train operations, reducing the need for traditional signalling systems.
  • ETCS Level 3: A future evolution, this level aims to use GPS and other advanced systems to eliminate the need for trackside signals entirely.

Benefits of ERTMS

  • Cross-Border Integration: By removing the need for trains to switch between different national safety systems, ERTMS facilitates seamless cross-border rail operations.
  • Increased Capacity: ERTMS allows for closer train spacing, which means that more trains can operate on the same track without compromising safety.
  • Reduced Maintenance: By replacing physical signals with digital communications, maintenance costs are significantly lowered.

Deployment Challenges

The deployment of ERTMS is one of the most ambitious industrial projects in Europe, requiring coordination between multiple stakeholders, including national governments, rail operators, and manufacturers. The European Commission actively monitors deployment and has set specific measures to ensure progress, such as funding support through Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

EU Funding for ERTMS

To support the rollout of ERTMS, the EU provides significant financial aid to Member States and railway operators through various funding instruments, including the CEF and Horizon 2020.

Who Is Involved in ERTMS Deployment?

  • The Corridors: ERTMS deployment is prioritized along major rail corridors across Europe, ensuring that the busiest routes benefit from the new system first.
  • The Countries: Each EU Member State is involved in the deployment, adapting its infrastructure to meet ERTMS standards.
  • Deployment Management Team: A dedicated team oversees the deployment of ERTMS, coordinating efforts across the EU.

Legal Framework and Key Documents

ERTMS is governed by several key regulations and directives, including the Fourth Railway Package, which sets the legal foundation for creating a more competitive and efficient European rail network.
  • Regulation (EU) 2016/796: Establishes the European Union Agency for Railways and outlines its role in the ERTMS project.
  • Directive (EU) 2016/797: Focuses on the interoperability of the rail system and provides the legal basis for ERTMS deployment.

Current Status and Maps

The state of play varies across Member States, with some countries more advanced in ERTMS deployment than others. You can explore the status per country and view detailed maps of deployment to get the latest updates.
ERTMS Resources

For more information, you can access key documents, newsletters, and studies related to ERTMS through the following links:
ERTMS is revolutionizing rail transport in Europe by standardizing safety systems, enhancing efficiency, and promoting cross-border rail interoperability. This project is crucial for the EU’s goals of creating a more competitive and sustainable transport network.

Legal Basis and Key Documents for ERTMS

The legislation surrounding ERTMS primarily focuses on two areas: the technical description and the process for putting the system into service. It also includes regulations related to the use of ERTMS across Europe.

  1. Interoperability Directive (EU) 2016/797:
    This directive sets out the essential requirements for rail interoperability, such as safety, reliability, environmental protection, and technical compatibility. Member States were required to adopt this directive by October 2020. The directive also mandates the adoption of Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs).
  2. CCS TSI (Technical Specifications for Control Command and Signalling):
    This regulation is the legal basis for ERTMS specification. It defines the technical requirements, subsystems, and procedures for assessing compliance. Member States must submit National Implementation Plans (NIPs) to ensure the deployment of interoperable control-command and signalling systems.
    • Annex A contains mandatory and optional specifications for ERTMS projects, including SUBSET-026, the primary document outlining the system's technical specifications.
  3. European Railway Agency (ERA):
    ERA serves as the system authority for ERTMS, managing the development and modification of ERTMS specifications.
  4. TEN-T Policy and European Deployment Plan (EDP):
    Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 on ERTMS deployment as a priority for Core Network Corridors (CNC), with deadlines set for 2030 (Core Network) and 2050 (Comprehensive Network). The EDP, adopted in 2017, sets intermediate deadlines for deploying ERTMS on certain CNC sections between 2017 and 2023.
  5. Funding Legislation:
    The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is the primary EU funding mechanism for transport infrastructure, supporting ERTMS deployment. The Community guidelines on State aid for railway undertakings also provide conditions under which aid to railway companies for ERTMS deployment can be approved, with a presumption of necessity for aid below 50% of eligible costs.
  6. Single European Railway Area Directive (2012/34/EU):
    This directive, amended by Directive 2016/2370, allows Infrastructure Managers to apply differentiated track access charges to promote onboard ETCS deployment by offering bonuses to equipped trains.
  7. Fourth Railway Package:
    Aims to improve the efficiency of the European rail system by reducing administrative, technical, and operational barriers, and promoting competition in the sector.
  8. The 4th Railway Package is a comprehensive set of five legislative texts designed to complete the Single European Railway Area, with the goal of revitalizing the rail sector and making it more competitive. It is divided into two pillars: the technical pillar and the market pillar.
    1. Technical Pillar (adopted in April 2016). This pillar focuses on reducing costs and administrative burdens for railway undertakings operating across Europe by enhancing interoperability and safety. Key changes include the introduction of a "One Stop Shop" for applications and the issuance of vehicle authorizations and safety certificates by ERA, reducing the need for separate national certifications.Key legislation includes:
      1. Regulation (EU) 2016/796: Establishes the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) as the central body for vehicle authorizations and safety certificates across the EU.
      2. Directive (EU) 2016/797: Focuses on the interoperability of the rail system within the EU.
      3. Directive (EU) 2016/798: Covers railway safety regulations across Member States.
    2. Market Pillar (adopted in December 2016). The market pillar is aimed at opening the domestic rail passenger markets to competition, fostering better services and cost-efficiency. The market pillar aims to improve competition in rail services by introducing mandatory tendering for public service contracts, encouraging more choices and higher quality for consumers, and ensuring impartial governance of railway infrastructure. Key legislation includes:
      1. Regulation (EU) 2016/2338: Amends rules on the award of public service contracts for domestic rail services (PSO Regulation).
      2. Directive (EU) 2016/2370: Opens domestic rail passenger services to competition and improves governance of rail infrastructure.

Together, the technical and market pillars are expected to improve rail service quality, reduce costs, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the European rail sector.


These regulations form the backbone of ERTMS legislation, supporting its technical deployment and operational integration across Europe.

The Control Command and Signalling (CCS)

On 30 March 2023, the Railway Interoperability and Safety Committee (RISC) adopted the updated Control Command and Signalling (CCS) TSI, alongside other Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) for various rail subsystems.

The revised CCS TSI includes significant updates aimed at improving the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and supporting its deployment.

Key Updates:

  1. ERTMS Game-Changers: These changes are critical for digitization, enhancing capacity, and performance. They include:
    • Automatic Train Operation (ATO) (GoA 1/2) to improve capacity and energy efficiency.
    • Readiness for Future Radio Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), replacing GSM-R with 5G.
    • Braking curve model optimization, balancing safety and capacity.
    • ETCS Level 2 with moving block technology for increased capacity and reduced trackside costs.
    • Onboard train integrity for reduced trackside equipment costs.
    • Enhanced safety and efficiency in supervised manoeuvres, replacing unsupervised shunting mode.
  2. Modularization of Digital Technologies: Focus on developing a flexible and robust system, starting with the modular European Vital Computer (EVC) interface with radio and ATO. Future efforts will expand modularity to vehicle interfaces.
  3. Harmonization and Alignment: Enhancements in ERTMS technical and operational harmonization with digital registers like the Register of Infrastructure (RINF), ensuring better coordination and integration.
  4. Maintenance and Error Correction: Introduction of procedures for error corrections, enabling a single set of specifications to address unacceptable errors in product deployment areas.
  5. Improved National Implementation Plans: A new template requiring additional information on onboard deployment and cross-border sections to support better ERTMS planning across the European rail network.

EU Funding for ERTMS

The deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is one of the most significant industrial projects in European history, requiring a total estimated investment of EUR 24 billion for trackside deployment across the TEN-T Network and an additional EUR 5 billion for rolling stock. To ensure successful and efficient deployment, EU funding programmes, such as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), play a vital role in financing ERTMS projects.

Funding Allocations Over Time

  1. 2007-2013:
    • Total EU Allocation: EUR 1.2 billion
      • EUR 645 million from the TEN-T programme
      • EUR 570 million from the European Structural & Investment Funds (ESIF)
  2. 2014-2020:
    • Total EU Allocation: EUR 2.7 billion
      • EUR 842 million from CEF
      • EUR 1.9 billion from ESIF
    • Grant Agreements: 92 signed agreements under CEF (36 trackside, 36 onboard)
    • CEF Budget: EUR 518.9 million for trackside, EUR 319.7 million for onboard
  3. 2021-2027 (CEF 2 Programme):
    • General Transport Envelope: EUR 14.52 billion
    • Cohesion Fund Envelope: EUR 11.29 billion
    • First Call for Proposals (2021): ERTMS received EUR 289.4 million from the General envelope and EUR 51.7 million from the Cohesion envelope.

CEF 2 Programme (2021-2027)

The CEF 2 programme, which prioritizes smart, sustainable, inclusive, safe, and secure transport, has supported 28 ERTMS projects (8 trackside and 20 onboard) through the 2021 and 2022 calls, with a total of EUR 503 million in contributions. The funding levels are based on unit contributions for each unit of ERTMS deployed.

  1. European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF):
    • EUR 297 million from the Cohesion Fund (2021-2027) and EUR 118 million from ERDF to support ERTMS projects in eligible Member States.
  2. Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF):
    • Rail development accounts for 40% of the transport-related investments in RRPs, including ERTMS rollouts in countries such as Austria, Italy, Poland, and Sweden.

Useful Links

State of Play

Mature and Stable Specifications

ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) specifications have reached maturity and stability, allowing for commercial use across Europe. Trains equipped with the latest ERTMS version can seamlessly operate across different European rail sections.

European Corridors as the Heart of Deployment

ERTMS deployment focuses on European transport corridors. These corridors are prioritized for early implementation, ensuring a coordinated rollout of trackside and on-board systems, which is crucial for a positive business case.

Trackside Deployment

According to the TEN-T Guidelines (Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013), ERTMS must be deployed on the Core Network by 2030 and on the Comprehensive Network by 2050. As of February 2023, 52% of the planned sections had been completed, and 46% of the total kilometers scheduled for 2023 were commissioned. The network has also been expanded by an additional 9,680 km due to the CEF 2

Regulation

  • Current Status: 15% of the Core Network is operational with ERTMS (ETCS and GSM-R).
  • Goals: By 2030, Member States aim to equip 40,564 km of the Core Network with ERTMS.

On-Board Deployment

A synchronized strategy between trackside and on-board deployment is essential to realize the full benefits of ERTMS. By 2030, 21,744 vehicles are expected to be equipped with ETCS, with 7,539 vehicles already operational.

Deployment Outside the EU

ERTMS is expanding globally, with over 53,000 km of railway lines and 5,900 vehicles using or contracted for ERTMS outside Europe, especially in new "green field" projects.

For more details, you can refer to the relevant legal frameworks and deployment maps:
This coordinated effort across corridors and countries ensures that ERTMS continues to progress as a key component in creating a unified and efficient European rail system.

Read more on EC website