Railway Signal Digitalization with the European Rail Traffic Management System and Positive Train Control: Industry 4.0 Expectations and Reality

Abstract

Positive train control (PTC) and European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) are digital railway signal systems in North America and Europe, respectively. They are frequently described as interchangeable, but they are not. This paper explains the history and motivations for each continent, and the general technical and capability differences between the two signal systems. In general, North America revised their signal systems to respond to safety concerns, and Europe committed to replacing their signals to encourage cross-border train traffic. ERTMS is significantly more expensive than PTC, and the cost has been justified with expectations of greater capacity. Multiple studies find no basis for large capacity increases after implementation of ERTMS. In addition, the added cost of ERTMS threatens an already weak rail freight market in Europe.

Keywords

rail freight rail transportation railroad operating technologies positive train control signaling

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