The European Commission and the rail industry (manufacturers, infrastructure managers and undertakings)  signed on the 4th july a memorandum of understanding in Rome aimed at accelerating deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERMTS) throughout Europe.

The memorandum of understanding signed is aimed at addressing these two fundamental issues, mainly by:

• Using a single technical baseline for all railway lines equipped with ERTMS in the European Union up to the end of 2012.
• Getting manufacturers to agree to include software updates in new contracts at a client’s request. Clients (rail companies and infrastructure managers) currently complain about the excessive costs imposed by manufacturers.
• Agreeing on a programme enabling a new version of the specifications to be drawn up by the end of 2012 in such a manner that trains equipped with this new version can run on lines equipped with the old version.
• Improving and harmonising test procedures for checking the compatibility and compliance of equipment.
• Accelerating deployment of ERTMS, particularly by adopting a binding European plan and equipping new models of engine.

The European Commission published in April amendments to the European standard for train signaling and speed control – the European Train Control System (ETCS) - which guarantees a common standard that enables trains to cross national borders and enhances safety.

ERTMS, the European Railway Traffic Management System, has been designed by the European railways and the supply industry supported by the European Commission to meet the future needs of the European Railways.

ERTMS has two basic components:

• ETCS, the European Train Control System, makes it possible not only to transmit permitted speed information to the train driver, but also to monitor constantly the driver’s compliance with these instructions.
• GSM-R, based on standard GSM but using various frequencies specific to rail as well as certain advanced functions. It is the radio system used for exchanging voice and data information between the track and the train.