The aim of the cooperation is to improve the reliability of the ETCS system so that seamless exclusive operation on corridor lines can be introduced by 1 January 2025 in accordance with the implementation plan.
"The introduction of ETCS is a top priority for us. ETCS is a key modern safety element that the European Union requires to be introduced as part of the creation of the Single European Railway Area, and which we have also committed to introduce in the ERTMS National Implementation Plan. The installation of a system that eliminates human error is also recommended by the conclusions of investigations into a number of incidents," says Jiří Kolář, Director of the Railway Authority.
In the Czech Republic, ETCS is currently deployed on more than 900 km of lines. There are 639 vehicles with ETCS installed on Czech lines. Trials on selected lines with ETCS have shown that communication failures between the rolling stock and the trackside part of ETCS can occur. The main objective of the cooperation between the railway operator, railway undertakings, rolling stock manufacturers and suppliers of ETCS technology, under the supervision of the Railway Office, which is the main body supervising the safe operation of the railway system, is to identify the causes and to ensure a reliable and improved functioning of the system in the Czech Republic. The resulting working group will regularly evaluate the partial results.
"The exchange of information and the search for solutions are essential. This was the main objective of the meeting. The first step will be to create a common portal, accessible to all railway participants, where the necessary data will be entered," adds Jiří Kolář.
The meeting, held in the beautiful old Fant building of Prague's main railway station, was attended by representatives of the Railway Administration (Správa železnic), Czech Railways (České dráhy - CD), ČD Cargo, METRANS Rail, CZ LOKO, ALSTOM Czech Republic, Siemens Mobility, Škoda Transportation, AŽD Praha, ČD Telematika and the Railway Research Institute (Výzkumný Ústav Železniční - VUZ).
