European Rail Bodies Push to Simplify Costly ETCS Compatibility Testing

Four European rail sector bodies — the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), the European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM), the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA) and the European Rail Rolling Stock Lessors (AERRL) — have published a joint position paper calling for reform of ETCS System Compatibility (ESC) testing, arguing current rules slow deployment of the European Train Control System and drive up costs for operators and infrastructure managers alike.

Under existing procedures, a vehicle certified to run in multiple countries must still undergo compatibility testing in each one, even when signalling equipment and track conditions are similar. The paper, published July 23, sets out five proposals: EU-wide transparency on tests already carried out, EU-wide reuse of existing test evidence, tighter limits on the creation of new ESC test types, a testing strategy that favours laboratory and simulation methods over on-track trials, and a fairer allocation of testing costs among stakeholders.

The push adds to a broader industry effort to rein in ETCS rollout costs, following recent EU scrutiny of pricing in the signalling supply market and Germany's decision to commit €1.7 billion toward equipping rolling stock with the system.