The long march to interoperability

A key priority in the revised Trans-European Networks programme adopted in December of 2013 has been identified as the roll-out of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on all core corridors. Yet, in order to achieve a stable specification and genuine interoperability, much remains to be done - as is discussed in this article. Compliance becomes essential, as does ensuring a single Baseline 3 standard for European Train Control Systems (ETCS) onboard equipment. This would enable trains to operate over infrastructure equipped with other Baseline 3 or Baseline 2. Subsidy is essential to encourage deployment. Backwards compatibility needs to be ensured, as well.