UNIFE Supports the Rollout of ERTMS Through the Adoption of Measures

Why It Matters

Accelerating ERTMS deployment will reduce cross‑border friction, lower project costs and boost Europe’s rail competitiveness, while delaying it risks widening the gap between EU members and undermining the TEN‑T vision.

Key Takeaways

• Only 17% of TEN‑T core network has ETCS installed.
• UNIFE urges harmonised standards to cut authorization delays.
• Simplifying authorisations could lower rail project costs across Europe.
• Phase‑out of legacy systems needed to avoid dual‑operation expenses.
• Preparing for FRMCS ensures future‑proof digital rail communications.

Pulse Analysis

The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is the cornerstone of the EU’s TEN‑T strategy, promising seamless cross‑border train operations and a single railway market. Yet, by the end of 2024, just 10,600‑12,400 km of the core network—roughly 17%—were fitted with the European Train Control System (ETCS), and only about 8,730 vehicles carried the necessary onboard equipment. This lag reflects fragmented national regulations, duplicated authorisation steps, and a patchwork of technical solutions that inflate costs and delay benefits for freight and passenger operators alike.

At a recent ERA conference in Valenciennes, UNIFE amplified its demand for a coordinated push to streamline the rollout. The industry’s roadmap calls for harmonised and stabilised technical standards, a leaner authorisation process that eliminates redundant checks, and a decisive phase‑out of legacy signalling to curb dual‑operation expenses. Funding mechanisms and clear governance structures are also highlighted as essential to bridge the execution gap. Simultaneously, UNIFE flagged the upcoming shift to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) and the need to retain GSM‑R compatibility within the core area, ensuring that digital communications evolve without disrupting existing services.

If adopted, these measures could unlock significant efficiency gains: reduced project timelines, lower capital expenditures, and a more attractive environment for new suppliers. For the broader European economy, faster ERTMS implementation translates into greener logistics, increased rail market share, and stronger integration of the continent’s transport network. Conversely, continued delays risk entrenching national silos, inflating costs, and ceding competitive advantage to regions that adopt unified digital rail standards more swiftly.