About us A European corridor
Turning Corridor C into a fast, safe and efficient logistic axis requires a uniform signaling and safety system. Such a system allows for true European interoperability and will further optimise railway freight transport. Furthermore, the project aims to enhance the quality of service along the corridor.
Turning Corridor C into a fast, safe and efficient logistic axis requires a uniform signaling and safety system. Such a system allows for true European interoperability and will further optimise railway freight transport. Furthermore, the project aims to enhance the quality of service along the corridor.
Map Corridor C
Clearing away obstacles
About 20 different automatic train stopping devices are currently in use in Europe. This situation requires the installation of different systems on international trains. This is both expensive and inefficient, increasing travel times as well as operational and maintenance costs. It also slows down the development of an efficient European railway network for freight transport.
European standard
A standardised European system has been under discussion since the late 1980s. Technical specifications for a European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) were in place by the year 2000, and have been refined in the meantime. The common ERTMS standard System Requirements Specification 2.3.0d has been approved for the period between 2008 and 2012.
The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a unique safety system placed underneath the train, sends signals directly to the train driver, making the classic signs present on the railroad tracks unecessary. The main benefit for freight transportation is that ERTMS enables one and the same locomotive to travel through several countries.
Implementation: 6 corridors
For the implementation of ERTMS on the European railway network, the European Commission and the stakeholders* signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) in 2005 and 2008 respectively.
* The signing organisations are: Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM), International Union of Railways (IU) and European Rail Industry (UNIFE).
In 2005, 6 corridors - transaational railway axes - were assigned that must be given priority in the implementation of ERTMS, indicated by the letters A - F. Financial incentives for promoting the implementation were developed at the same time.
Furthermore, heavy investments are made in infrastructure and rolling stock. The goal is to significantly increase quality of service by standardising infrastructure and harmonising service agreements.
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