ERTMS deployment paradigm with a special review of applied EU Directives

The European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) aims at replacing the different national train control and command systems in Europe. ERTMS consist of ETCS, the European Train Control System (an automatic train protection system (ATP) aiming to replace the existing national ATP-systems) and GSM-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. When choosing an introduction strategy for ERTMS, a paradigm of quality long-term introduction and upgrading is introduced. Given the current state of the infrastructure, of the country’s GDP and the possibility of EU funding, the question arises as to which technology and level of technology to choose? This paper will explain the correlation between EU directives and guidelines for their introduction, as well as the barriers that arise in view of the necessary infrastructure interventions. The deployment of ERTMS will enable the creation of an integrated European railway system and increase European railway's competitiveness. ERTMS concepts, operating rules, definition of the national values, migration, education and training, etc. seem to be underestimated by local authorities, which generally delegate full projects without feeling part of the solution. In some cases, operators and rail infrastructure managers are just unable to participate. Also, differences between the ERTMS standards and the local customer requirements can be problematic.