• European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS)

  • Illustration of a train passing a railway communications system mast

    On Schedule

    This European tried and tested system will replace traditional railway signals with a computer display inside every train cab, reducing the costs of maintaining the railway, improving performance and enhancing safety.

    The first drive to install ERTMS will take place on the Great Western Main Line as part of the large-scale resignalling of the line, coinciding with the arrival of new trains and electrification.

  • Taking control

    By bringing the control system inside each individual train, ERTMS allows specific customised control. This allows the drivers to always run at the optimum safe speed helping more trains run faster and recover from delays quicker.

    Automatic Train Protection

    Removing traditional railway signals will reduce costs and the system will also offer full Automatic Train Protection too, so that the train itself will stop if a driver fails to respond to warnings.

     

    Adaptable and affordable

    ERTMS allows the railway to become much more responsive, adaptable and affordable.

     

  • Image gallery

    Diagram of how the onboard computer communicates wirelessly with control centres
     

    How the onboard computer communicates wirelessly with control centres

    Diagram of a train passing a railway communications system mast
     

    A train passing a railway communications system mast