ERTMS ("European Rail Traffic Management System") is a major industrial project being implemented by the European Union, a project which will make rail transport safer and more competitive.
Over the last years, ERTMS has become a trending topic when talking about European railways. But what is it exactly and what are its goals?
ERTMS, which stands for ‘European Railway Traffic Management System’, is the European standard for the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and command and control systems. It creates an interoperable railway system in Europe that is more efficient and safer. It contributes to making rail operation between the Member States much easier and is an essential element of the Single European Railway Area.
ERTMS is a safety system that enforces compliance from trains with speed restrictions and signalling status. Due to its nature and the required functions, at present this system is partly installed trackside and partly installed onboard.
