The specific objectives of the study should be to identify:
— in detail the infrastructure deployment required to achieve ERTMS-only or ERTMS+1 class B systems on 3 relevant networks focused on Core Network / Rail Freight corridors,
— the minimum OBU strategy for operators, keepers, and owners to run on these networks in the period prior to achieving ERTMS-only or ERTMS+1 class B system,
— whether accelerated ERTMS infrastructure deployment compared to current plans makes economic sense,
— technical solutions for the selected ETCS / class b combinations to maximize operational impact,
— the national technical rules on the network that act as impediments to the installation of standard ETCS equipment,
— a testing and authorization strategy for the OBU deployment.
2.3 Tasks
The tasks of the study are as follows:
1) Select 3 relevant networks focussed on Core Network/Rail Freight Corridors, which capture significant freight flows. Such networks should take into account relevant data, for example current and predicted locomotive configuration sale data, data on freight flows etc. 1 of these corridors should be based on the Rhine-Alpine Core Network Corridor and Rail Freight Corridor;
2) For the selected networks:
— analyse the current deployment plans for ERTMS
— Make an assessment of the minimum OBU strategies to be developed for existing locomotives or to be developed for the new build locomotives
— Detail the alternative running options, the operator, keeper and owners have when not ordering the retrofit / upgrade or new build locomotives;
— identify the additional infrastructure investments in ERTMS necessary to allow ERTMS-alone or ERTMS plus one class B/STM signalling system running, such that operators would choose, in a commercial context, to operate with such an on-board configuration. Diversionary routes, stations, and last mile infrastructure should be included in this analysis.
The selection of the additional class B system should be determined on the basis of capturing the maximum freight flows in the defined network.
Provide an estimate of the cost and date by which such investment could occur [in consultation with the relevant infrastructure managers];
3) For the selected networks, provide an analysis of the business case for an accelerated deployment with a target date of deployment 3 years earlier than that identified in Task 1;
4) For the selected ETCS/class b combinations analyse the compatibility and interfacing between ETCS and the class B, and propose solutions to technical challenges of these configurations to maximise operational impact, including connecting as an STM;
5) This study shall take appropriate consideration of the national rules relevant for CCS identified by the ERA For the networks chosen, define the existing known rules that impact on the ERTMS on-board design, implementation and use, acting as impediments to the installation of standard ETCS equipment, and prioritise those which are the biggest barriers to deployment;
6) The Study shall identify a testing and authorisation strategy compliant with the IV Railway Package aiming at minimising both costs and time of this component of the process.
