The document discusses a conference about the European Train Control System (ETCS) and interoperability. It summarizes that: 1. Interoperability is key to allowing rail vehicles to operate across the EU without difficulties in authorization or needing continuous updates, but ERTMS is not fully standardized yet. 2. While work is being done to standardize testing and authorization, fundamental issues remain like a lack of a single EU standard system, local monopolies, and high prices due to an uncompetitive supply base. 3. To achieve proper interoperability, ERTMS must be standardized urgently with a single data interface, braking curves, operating procedures, and no designer choices allowed beyond baseline 3

1. ETCS ConferenceMarnixKerkhoffERA, 29 March 2011

2. EPTTOLA MembersAlpha TrainsAngel Trains (UK)Beacon Rail LeasingCBRailEversholt Rail GroupPorterbrook Leasing Company

3. EPTTOLA Members Assets

4. EPTTOLA Vehicles

5. How can/shall ERTMS become a success story?What does Interoperability mean to EPTTOLA?Where are we with regard to ERTMS in that respect?How to achieve proper Interoperability with ERTMS?

6. What does Interoperability mean to us?Our lessees can operate our Vehicles across EUWithout difficulties getting/keeping authorisation for thatWithout continuous mandatory needs for updatingAs that means far too much operational hassle and costAs that means that rail is still not as competitive as it can beInteroperability is key factor for competitiveness of rail transportRoad Transport seems to be winning with massive congestions as a major riskEconomic consequences thereof shall be clear to everyone…

7. Where are we with regard to ERTMS?It’s obvious we need ERTMS in order to achieve InteroperabilityAs ‘we’ noticed that there are difficulties rolling out ERTMS:We are now trying to standardise testing proceduresWe are now trying to standardise authorisation proceduresHowever, we seem to forget the important high level issues!!!ERTMS certainly is not a standard system yetWe are still facing local monopolies by UNISIG membersNo competitive supply base and consequentially prices still far too highInfrastructure is protected which means ongoing vehicle updates required if developments continue without standardising ERTMS properly!!!

8. How to achieve proper Interoperability with ERTMS?Firstly, 1 EU Standard System must now be developed urgently:1 DMI/1 Data Entry Procedure (Accidents….)1 Data Interface between Vehicles and Infrastructure (Airgap)1 set of Braking Curves must be definedNo Designer’s Choices (DCs) to be allowedBesides these issues any further developments beyond Baseline 3 shall be stoppedUntil ‘Plug & Play’ Vehicle Retrofit is easily possible by means of:Standard interfaces between ERTMS and VehiclesStandard interfaces for ERTMS On Board componentsInfrastructure shall be mandatorily upgraded to at least SRS 2.3.0dIF any changes anyhow, then ERTMS should be simplified!!!In case of further CRs being initiated by a party -> they are to pay consequential cost

9. ConclusionsEPTTOLA are pleased with the present work on ERTMS detailsHowever, fundamental for ERTMS is still not rightIt doesn’t seem to be clear to we need a simple/cheap ERTMSWe must standardise ERTMS urgently: 1 system w/o DCsIf not, we will never get a European Level Playing Field for RailWith all consequences thereof…

10. Thank you for your kind attention!MarnixKerkhoffmkerkhoff@beaconrail.com