Legacy fleets face unique challenges and opportunities with the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS), which is revolutionising rail operations across Europe and beyond by enhancing safety, interoperability, and operational efficiency.
This blog explores the impact of ETCS on older rolling stock, examining the difficulties and potential benefits of retrofitting these trains with this advanced technology.
Global Growth of ERTMS
The adoption of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) worldwide has seen steady growth over the past decade, demonstrating the global push to modernise rail infrastructure and enhance interoperability. Between 2010 and 2023, the total length of ERTMS-equipped tracks expanded from 33,668 km to 104,007 km—a threefold increase over 13 years. This consistent growth reflects the rail industry’s commitment to improving operational efficiency, safety, and cross-border compatibility.
For legacy fleets, the expansion of ERTMS infrastructure presents both challenges and opportunities. Retrofitting older trains with ETCS is essential to ensure compatibility with modernised tracks, but it requires careful integration of new systems with existing technology. As the global ERTMS network continues to grow, operators of legacy fleets must address the technical and operational complexities of modernisation to remain compliant and competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Figure 1: Source: https://www.ertms.net/facts-figures/deployment-statistics/
Challenges of Retrofitting ETCS
Legacy fleets were not originally designed to accommodate advanced signalling systems like ETCS. This discrepancy creates several challenges, including:
- Space Constraints: Older trains often lack the physical space to house additional equipment, such as onboard units (OBUs) and antennas.
- Electrical Compatibility: Integrating ETCS hardware into aging electrical systems may require significant upgrades or adaptations.
- Cost Considerations: Retrofitting legacy fleets can be costly, necessitating a careful cost-benefit analysis to determine feasibility.
- Downtime: Upgrades may require trains to be out of service, impacting operational schedules.
The Importance of Upgrading
To ensure the continued operation of their fleets on evolving rail networks, train operators must proactively invest in upgrading their rolling stock to comply with European Train Control System (ETCS) standards. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring the long-term viability of operations. Neglecting this transition risks rendering existing trains incompatible with future rail infrastructure, potentially stranding assets and hindering future service delivery.
The Role of Independent Suppliers
As rail operators face the challenges of retrofitting a large number of mixed fleets and legacy systems with ETCS functionalities, it will not be possible for ETCS providers to serve the market within the desired time. Under these circumstances, there is a role for independent TCMS suppliers to act as integrators between ETCS OBUs and existing TCMS.
Balancing Costs and Benefits
For train operators and infrastructure managers, the decision to retrofit legacy fleets with ETCS hinges on balancing the costs against the long-term benefits. Factors such as fleet size, expected service life, and operational demands play a critical role in determining whether an ETCS retrofit is the optimal solution.
Key Benefits of ETCS for Legacy Fleets
Despite the challenges, retrofitting ETCS brings significant advantages for legacy fleets:
- Enhanced Safety: ETCS minimises the risk of collisions and over speeding by providing real-time speed supervision.
- Interoperability: Older trains can operate seamlessly across different countries and networks equipped with ETCS.
- Extended Lifespan: Modernising with ETCS allows legacy fleets to remain operational for longer, delaying the need for costly replacements.
Is there a solution to enable trains to operate on ETCS networks?
EKE-Trainnet® Gateways can be used as ETCS-TIU Gateways acting as vital interfaces between disparate systems. These gateways will enable the seamless exchange of data between otherwise incompatible technologies, ensuring that new advancements in ETCS can integrate with legacy rolling stock.
Why Choose EKE as your ETCS-TIU Supplier?
Our EKE-Trainnet® Gateways supports SIL 2 development, with some key modules already precertified. Its modular design allows you to select only the features you need, creating a cost-efficient, flexible, and versatile solution with a simplified architecture. An EKE-Trainnet® ETCS-TIU Gateways can combine a combination of bus technologies, as your needs require, including WTB, MVB, CAN and Serial Links.
