ERTMS
ERTMS is a cornerstone of the European drive for a truly interoperable railway. It is perhaps the most sophisticated train control system currently available and is being adopted by other countries besides those in the European Union (EU). We are at the leading edge of ERTMS roll-out in Europe.
ERTMS is a cornerstone of the European drive for a truly interoperable railway. It is perhaps the most sophisticated train control system currently available and is being adopted by other countries besides those in the European Union (EU).
The price of sophistication is considerable complexity. The system is installed on both the wayside and vehicles. It is produced by several major manufacturers and their equipment is designed to be interoperable. To achieve this requires careful interface management. Equally, the system will take years to be fully implemented due to financial, technical and resource constraints. So, in the intervening period ERTMS will need to interface with existing signalling systems.
The engineering of ERTMS solutions also requires analysis of the effectiveness of system performance, including safety integrity, maintainability, reliability and ease of operation and use. Much of this analysis must go through the system approval regimes still prevalent in each EU member state and this can be costly and time consuming.
We can ease your navigation through this complex web of technologies and processes. We are at the leading edge of ERTMS roll-out in Europe, having undertaken a broad spectrum of activities from setting ERTMS implementation strategy, through development of ERTMS operating rules to the turnkey design, installation, testing and approvals of the onboard portion of ERTMS on two fleets of diesel locomotive for operation in mainland Europe.
Rail vehicle design and engineering
Good design stands out as being effective in function and form. In the complex rail environment, function comes with a required performance capability and adequate safety measures - aspects which need to be considered at the outset of design. Find out how our services can help you achieve this.
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Signal engineering
Since the first days of commercial railway operation there has been a need to safeguard the movement of trains, allowing them to operate in accordance with the required service density and speed profile. Railway signalling and control systems provide that capability and must continue to provide the required safety levels under failure conditions. Such systems need careful design, implementation and stewardship. Find out how our services can help you do this.
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Telecommunications engineering
With key expertise in telecommunications systems for transportation, our qualified engineers provide objective advice in areas as diverse as GSM-R, fixed transmission networks, lineside communications, data networks, CCTV and passenger information, whether on-train or at the station. Our knowledge of legacy systems and emerging technologies allows us to offer pragmatic solutions.
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Safety engineering
Using our up to date knowledge on technological developments, we advise operators and infrastructure controllers regarding applications in the field of safety. We have particular expertise in train control and protection systems, ERTMS and ETCS. We also provide strategic consultancy on pre implementation preparation and tailor made solutions for ATP systems. Find out how our services can help you.
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Software assurance
Software assurance forms a vital part of ensuring that required levels of safety and functionality are achieved in modern railway systems. We have the experience required to help you achieve this.
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Safety management
Safety management requires strong domain knowledge and detailed understanding of good practice in this specialist area. Using our up to date knowledge on technological developments, we are able to advise operators and infrastructure controllers regarding applications in the field of safety.. We have established a global reputation for expertise in this field through an international network of safety professionals skilled in the multi-disciplinary world of railways.
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Rolling stock testing
Independent testing has an important part to play in any assurance regime, and we have the capability to carry it out for you.
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Independent safety assessment (ISA)
Independent safety assessment involves making a judgement against a set of requirements about the safety adequacy of a product, system or process in a particular context and environment. It may require demonstration of compliance to recognised standards but for specific situations full compliance may not be necessary.
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Notified body
Notified Bodies are appointed by members of the European Union to carry out conformity assessment against European Directives. For rail, these are Directive 96/48/EC for the Interoperability of the Trans Europe High Speed Rail System and Directive 2001/16/EC for the interoperability of the conventional European rail system.
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