Brussels, 23/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 23 April, the European Commission adopted an amendment to the European standard for train signalling and speed control - the European Train Control System (ETCS version 2.3.0). This highly technical decision seeks to facilitate the setting up of a European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in the European Union and prepares the way for ensuring the interoperability of Community railways.
In concrete terms, the Commission decision, which could, in the near future, become binding, harmonises speed control systems in all locomotives on new lines or those where the signalling systems have been modernised: 1) on high speed lines; 2) priority projects; and 3) where EU funding exceeds 30% of total project costs.
The ETCS, one of the two components of the new rail traffic management system, is simply a computer. Fitted on the train, it uses the information transmitted from the ground to calculate the maximum authorised speed and can, if necessary, slow the train automatically. The new 2.3.0 version of the ETSC will be fitted from now on. The Commission says that using the same version of the ETSC presents a double advantage: it removes the risk of any ambiguities that might have resulted in incompatible projects and guarantees that European trains equipped with ETCS can travel on any line equipped with ETCS, without fear of being stopped at a border. Currently, there is compatibility of equipment (communication systems, sped control, etc.) at national level, but this is not the case for international journeys. The common standard will apply to both passenger and goods trains.
Although significant, this amendment does not conclude rail consolidation in Europe. Among the remaining challenges are the length of trains, which varies with network capacity and national standards, and funding of new rolling stock. The Commission plans to adopt a legislative proposal to resolve the first issue in the autumn. On the issue of funding, the Commission will launch a call for tenders at the start of 2009 with at least €250 million available for ERTMS projects. At present, Community funding represents 50% of the cost of the projects financed by the trans-European transport network 2007-2013 programme. The first call for tenders was allocated funding of €271 million for 19 projects in 12 member states. (A.By.)