Alstom, with its world-leading smart mobility solutions, is testing a new application of the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS), designed for low-density traffic on secondary railway lines, in its work carried out jointly with Adif. This initiative aims to modernize the railway network in Spain and wider adoption of ERTMS. Trials began in November on the meter-long rail section of the León-Bilbao line between La Asunción Universidad (León) and Guardo.
The Center of Innovation: Satellite Positioning and Public NetworksIn April 2023, Adif awarded Alstom a contract to develop an innovation project aimed at the deployment of ERTMS on secondary lines. The main innovations of this R&D project led by the Center for Railway Safety and Signaling Technologies in Madrid are: Satellite Positioningusing sensor hybridization in addition to traditional methods to determine the position of trains and Public Telecommunications Networksand preferring public communication networks on local and regional lines instead of costly networks such as GSM-R. This approach aims to reduce costs without compromising safety standards by significantly reducing lineside equipment.
Testing Phases and ScheduleProject, ERTMS Level 1And Level 2It includes trial studies covering applications and is planned to be completed in the first half of 2026. The first trials were carried out to verify the mileage measurement of the ERTMS equipment installed on the train. ERTMS Level 1 Tests(2026), without requiring direct implementation of new technologies at Level 2 level crossing managementNew operational scenarios such as will also be evaluated. ERTMS Level 2 Testswill show how the new application will work in the field with the integration of satellite positioning and public networks.
Advantages of ERTMS and Role of AlstomERTMS, which is determined within the framework of the European Union and provides safe communication and signaling between rails and on-board equipment, can be applied on secondary lines. safe and harmonious railway operationsupports. Among the main benefits that this technology will bring are increased service quality and reliability, efficiency and capacity increasewith reduction in operating costscountable. Alstom is one of the leading suppliers of ERTMS/ETCS equipment with over 30 years of experience and has undertaken more than 135 projects worldwide. With this project, Alstom once again demonstrates its commitment to innovation and safety in rail transportation.
