Bombardier introduces train control system in Europe

Bombardier Transportation, with its customer Swiss Federal Railways, introduced the world's first commercial operation of its European rail traffic management system (ERTMS) on the 21-mile Olten-Luzern railway line in Switzerland. With ERTMS Level 2, radio communication replaces traditional trackside signals on the Swiss rail line. Equipment for the system includes a radio transmission system and 200 positioning ballasts. The new standard will increase efficiency of rail traffic systems leading to higher capacities, faster traffic and lower operating costs of trains systems. Use of ERTMS will alleviate cross-border traffic. Trains crossing several countries require change of locomotive and driver at borders, or trains have to be equipped with the systems of several countries.