A single European rail traffic management system

Abstract

Over time, each European country has developed its own technical specifications for its signalling system, estimate width, safety and electricity standards. This represents a significant barrier to trans-European interoperability and results in additional costs and technical constraints. In particular, there are around 30 train signalling systems across the European Union, which are not interoperable. The concept of a single EU signalling system to enhance interoperability dates back to 1989, the Romanian revolution year when the rail industry launched an analysis of rail signalling issues across the EU Member States, and, since then, it has constantly evolved.