New ERTMS Deployment Action Plan

On 20th of June 2017, Commissioner Bulc at the Single European Rail Area (SERA) Convention in Brussels presented a draft of the ERTMS Deployment Action Plan which is based on the following objectives:

• Deploying an interoperable and compliant infrastructure;
• Taking the steps to deliver standardised On Board Unit;
• Driving efficiencies in testing and validation processes;
• Providing focused financial support.

Commissioner Bulc emphasized that ERTMS is a cornerstone of digitalising the rail sector and essential for achieving a Single and safe European Railway Area; however, ERTMS deployment has to be accelerated to meet the European Deployment Plan target.

This action plan is a draft for consultation with the Sector until October 2017, and final approval is expected at the CCRC2017 ERA conference in November 2017.

Philippe Citroën, UNIFE Director General and Michel Van Liefferinge, UNISIG General Manager, were invited to participate in the panels related to the ERTMS Deployment.