Understanding the Difference Between ETCS and ERTMS

The railway industry relies heavily on advanced signalling and control systems to ensure safe and efficient operations. Among the most prominent systems are ETCS (European Train Control System) and ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System), which are often mentioned together but serve different roles. In this blog, we will clarify the distinction between the two and explain how each contributes to modern railway infrastructure.

Key Differences Between ETCS and ERTMS

  • ETCS (European Train Control System) is specifically concerned with train control and ensuring the safe operation of trains. It primarily includes the onboard equipment and the trackside signalling system for train control, ensuring trains follow safe operating procedures based on real-time information about track conditions, speed limits, and other parameters.
  • ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) is focused on managing the entire rail network’s traffic, enabling better coordination, communication, and operational efficiency. It is a comprehensive system that includes ETCS and also incorporates traffic management and communication systems.

What is ETCS?

ETCS is a signalling and control system designed to ensure trains operate safely across European rail networks. It is primarily focused on train control and monitoring, aiming to maintain a continuous connection between the train and the control centre. It ensures that trains are continuously monitored, and their speed and positioning are controlled based on real-time data.

The system works by transmitting signals to the train via trackside equipment. These signals provide information on speed limits, distances to the next station or signal, and potential hazards, ensuring that the train driver receives up-to-date guidance on the train’s operation. ETCS is integral to the adoption of interoperable rail systems across European countries, enabling seamless travel between nations with different signalling protocols.

ETCS is structured in different levels ranging from Level 0 to Level 2, which differ in terms of functionality and the type of communication used.

Level 0 applies to trains equipped with ETCS running on non-ETCS lines. In this mode, the onboard ETCS system supervises train speed based on the driver’s manual input but does not receive movement authorities from trackside ETCS infrastructure. The system only enforces basic speed supervision, and the train operates under national or conventional signalling rule. Level 0 is often used when transitioning from non-ETCS to ETCS-equipped sections.

Level 1 involves continuous supervision of train movement. This means that the onboard computer will need to continuously monitor the maximum permitted speed and calculate the braking curve to the location where the train is allowed to proceed, known as the end of movement authority. Communication is non-continuous.[1]

Level 2 involves constant communication between the train and trackside. This level introduces continuous data communication, which allows for real-time updates and more precise control of train movements. The onboard ETCS system receives movement authorities and other critical information directly from the trackside infrastructure, ensuring that the train operates safely and efficiently.

There is a further level; Level STM, which applies to a train operating under legacy national train control systems while still using the ETCS onboard system.

Click here for more information about ETCS Levels

What is ERTMS?

ERTMS is a broader framework that encompasses multiple systems for managing and controlling railway traffic. It was adopted by the European Union as a standard to establish an interoperable rail infrastructure across Europe.

ERTMS is composed of:

  1. ETCS: The automatic train protection system that ensures the train does not exceed the safe speed and distance, providing relevant information to support train drivers.
  2. RMR (Railway Mobile Radio): A dedicated communication system for voice and data services. It includes GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications – Railways) and FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System) for communication, supporting railway operations.
  3. ATO (Automatic Train Operation): Automates train operations up to Grade of Automation 2 (GoA2), handling tasks like starting and stopping the train while relying on ETCS for safety functions.

While ETCS is focused on train control, ERTMS aims to create a unified railway system that improves both train control and traffic management. ERTMS defines the specifications for signalling, communication, and traffic management, allowing for safer, more efficient operations across Europe. It is intended to replace the multiple national signalling systems currently in place, reducing the complexity and increasing the interoperability of the European railway network.

Click here for more information about ERTMS.

Conclusion

In summary, while ETCS and ERTMS are interconnected, they serve distinct roles. ETCS focuses on train control, ensuring safe operations for individual trains, while ERTMS provides a unified framework for managing rail traffic, signalling, and communication.

Sources:

European Commission ERTMS FAQ

What is ERTMS and how does it work?

ETCS Levels and Modes


[1] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-modes/rail/ertms/what-ertms-and-how-does-it-work/etcs-levels-and-modes_en

Read more news

Modbus TCP update

Today, EKE-Electronics are announcing the rollout of Modbus TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) client capabilities to our CODESYS® implementation, to further boost the interoperability of our TCMS systems.

Read More
Search