In February, European ERTMS Coordinator Matthias Ruete published his latest report, the main conclusion being that implementation of the system at EU level is progressing slowly, with the risk of missing the deadline set by the TEN-T Regulation. That is, the system should be installed on the core network by 2030, on the extended core network by 2040, and on the comprehensive network by 2050.
The Regulation stipulates that newly built lines must be equipped with radio-based ERTMS from 2030, and in the case of signaling system upgrades, the obligation to use radio-based ERTMS applies from 2040. Furthermore, the TEN-T Regulation specifies that by 2050, all ERTMS must be radio-based.
The Regulation also draws attention to the phasing out of old national systems (class B) which must be removed from the core network by 2040, from the extended core network by 2045, and from the entire network by 2050.
All these deadlines are clear and show the EU’s commitment to forming the Single European Railway Area (SERA) and also send a signal to Member States that they must take concrete measures to modernize infrastructure, implement ERTMS, and phase out outdated national systems, ensuring the interoperability and safety of rail transport at European level.
“With this work plan, however, I am sending a warning signal about the realities on the ground. Progress is slow, and the mindset of many of the actors involved is not yet sufficiently adapted to the scale of the challenge that this digital transformation brings,” says Matthias Ruete.
It is important to note that the installation of ERTMS and the completion of the TEN-T network go hand in hand, as they are essential for ensuring the interoperability and safety of rail transport at European level, as well as for achieving the modernization and efficiency objectives set out in the TEN-T Regulation. In this regard, the latest report from the European Court of Auditors shows that the core network will not be completed.
As regards the trackside ERTMS deployment, in 2024 it was operational on 10% of the TEN-T network, i.e. 12,400 km, and on 17% of the core network, i.e. 10,600 km.
Over 91,200 km of the TEN-T network in the EU-27 is not equipped.
According to Member States’ plans, 51% of the core network is to be equipped by 2030, totaling 32,600 km. In addition, there are 7,800 km outside the core network that Member States intend to equip by 2030.
Share on:
