Strategic advisory, test programme management, and design thinking for ERTMS transitions, implementations, and national rollout programmes. Covering Level 1, Level 2, Dual Signalling, and human factors.
ERTMS is a complex, high-impact, and costly programme with long timescales, many stakeholders, and significant regulatory and operational implications. Efios Rail has been involved in ERTMS programmes in the Netherlands since the early phases — working across test management, strategic advisory, design thinking, and novel technology assessment.
Our ERTMS work spans the full spectrum: from supporting governments in strategic decision-making and European tender design, to managing years-long test programmes on behalf of infrastructure managers and train operators, to conducting human-factors simulation experiments that inform design choices before deployment.
ERTMS programmes involve infrastructure managers, train operators, signalling suppliers, national safety authorities, and the European Railway Agency. Efios Rail has worked across all of these stakeholder groups and understands how to navigate their different interests and priorities.
ERTMS transitions are long-horizon decisions with significant financial, operational, and regulatory consequences. Efios Rail supports governments, infrastructure managers, and train operators in making well-informed strategic choices.
Efios Rail supported the Dutch Ministry of Public Works and the ERTMS Programme in requirements specification, stakeholder analysis, and the design and evaluation of the European tender for the ERTMS Academy assets.
Efios Rail has managed multi-year ERTMS testing programmes on behalf of infrastructure managers, operators, and the Ministry of Public Works — covering infrastructure compatibility, operational readiness, and rolling stock admission.
Efios Rail is currently part of the ERTMS V&V team for the national ERTMS rollout programme in the Netherlands (2020–present), working with ProRail, train operating companies, and other stakeholders to develop, plan, and execute the complex V&V programme — including simulation-based and in situ testing — across multiple lines and rolling stock types.
| Line / Programme | Level | Rolling Stock |
|---|---|---|
| ERTMS NL Rollout ongoing | L2 | Multiple fleet types |
| HSL-Zuid | L1 + L2 | V250, BR186, Thalys, ICE3 |
| Amsterdam–Utrecht | L2 Dual | SLT, BR186, ICE3 |
| Hanzelijn | L2 Dual | BR186, BR189 |
| Eurostar International | L2 | Eurostar Class 374 |
Testing objectives included: infrastructure compatibility, operational readiness and performance, rolling stock and infrastructure admission. The ongoing NL rollout V&V programme additionally covers simulation-based pre-validation and structured in situ testing across conventional lines.
Not all ERTMS challenges are solved by technical specification alone. Design thinking enables creative, user-centred approaches to operational problems — particularly where current standards leave gaps.
A specific example: ERTMS Level 2 shunting (SH mode) presents operational challenges for train drivers — the DMI cannot be seen during propelled operations, and the train may pass the End of Authority (EoA) before the onboard equipment registers it. Efios Rail applied design thinking to create, prototype, and evaluate shunting indicator options for ProRail.
The transition from legacy systems to ERTMS has a significant human impact on train drivers and operators. Simulation and human-in-the-loop experiments provide early signals of expected workload, safety implications, and feedback for design decisions — before deployment in live service.
Beyond standard ERTMS implementations, Efios Rail has led proof-of-concept projects exploring advanced technologies for the railway sector.
Managed a proof-of-concept project for novel technologies including third-generation Doppler Radar and LiDar optical speed acquisition to improve the reliability of NS fleet equipped with ERTMS. Installations were mounted on a TRAXX locomotive for data generation and analysis by NS and relevant suppliers.
Led an extensive study into the feasibility and business case for a dedicated test track in the Netherlands — capable of supporting proof-of-concept testing for new technologies (LiDar, sensing), as well as static and dynamic testing of vehicles and infrastructure (ERTMS, 3kV, ATO).
Initiated and managed projects for cold movement detection and the application of acceleration sensors in the ERTMS context — exploring their potential as additional safety inputs for ERTMS-equipped rolling stock.
Efios Rail was appointed to project manage and take responsibility for the specification, design, procurement, and operation of the ERTMS test track facility in Amersfoort — part of ProRail's innovation infrastructure portfolio.
The facility was redesigned from a decommissioned track to a state-of-the-art test environment, equipped with modern track, catenary, and sensing equipment as well as contemporary ERTMS infrastructure and ICT systems. It enables railway sector users to conduct testing, operational trials, proof-of-concept projects, and product innovation in a controlled environment.
| Line | Type |
|---|---|
| HSL-Zuid | ERTMS L1 + L2 |
| Amsterdam–Utrecht | L2 Dual Signalling |
| Hanzelijn | L2 Dual Signalling |
| Test Track Amersfoort | L2, ATO, 3kV |
Whether you are planning an ERTMS transition, managing a complex test programme, or researching operational design options, Efios Rail can help.