Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration, has been a member of ITS since it was founded 14 years ago. Trafikverket is responsible for building, maintaining, and operating Sweden’s road system and railroads – but also for providing material for the decision makers’ long-term planning of all types of traffic. In other words, it is natural for people at Trafikverket to get involved in developing standards. Thanks to its membership in ETSI, Trafikverket has a strong voice in standardising the future railroads in Europe.
Something that is on the front burner at the moment is the new train communication system, FRMCS, that the Worldwide Railway Organisation (UIC) is working on. The new communication system is based on 5G technology and will enable faster data transmission and better information management. This type of new technology requires new standards – something that Trafikverket is helping shape through ETSI.
To get more insight into the new communication system and the role Trafikverket is playing in the process, we’ve spoken to Sam Berggren from Trafikverket. Sam has worked with railway questions for over 30 years and has been involved in both standardisation questions and research within the railway area. Sam has also been involved in creating the new standards for FRMCS.
Why is the current communications system being replaced?
“GSM-R, as the current system is called, has been in use for over 20 years now. From a technical aspect, a lot has happened during that time, so it’s simply time for an upgrade. Since the new system is built on 5G technology, it will open up for faster data transmission and better information technology for both freight trains and passenger traffic,” Sam explains.
But why do we need a common system for all of Europe?
A signal system is built on different objects that help regulate the train traffic together. For example, a signal system ensures that the speed limit on each stretch is maintained and that stop signals aren’t passed. In other words, it’s essential for the train traffic to function safely and efficiently.
A common interoperable system for Europe’s railways is also important for the infrastructure at large, and trains are fundamental for the continued development and improvement of Europe’s rail transportation. Interoperability is also a key factor in efficient cross-border train traffic. A joint communication system in Europe is expected to, in the long run, open up the possibility of a united global railway system.
In order to ensure that FRMCS becomes a functioning common system for all of railway Europe, standardisation is crucial. The standardisation ensures that all of the equipment and all the systems from different suppliers are compatible – which in turn decreases the costs of development, installation, and maintenance for all the countries that need to implement the new system.
Why are standards so important within the railway sector?
“Standards are absolutely essential for ensuring that systems and products work together and that we can maintain high quality and safety levels. This is especially true for the railway sector, as the volumes are rather low compared to other industries – spreading out the development costs and ensuring interoperability is therefore extra important,” Sam says.
“Actively partaking in the standardisation work is important in order to ensure that we get the best stuff possible for the least possible cost to the taxpayers. And thanks to our membership in ITS and ETSI, we are able to do that.”
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