Potential Changes to the European Train Control System Onboard Subsystem Requirements

RSSB has received four requests for help from the Requirements, Issues, Configuration Management Working Group which is governed by Network Rail’s System Authority Governance Group. The requests for help are to modify requirements in RIS-0797-CCS and RIS-0798-CCS.  RIS-0797-CCS sets out the GB application requirements of the European Train Control System (ETCS) part of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) for the Baseline 3 onboard subsystem to existing rail vehicles (retrofit projects).  RIS-0798-CCS sets out the application of the ERTMS/ETCS Baseline 3 onboard subsystem to new build rolling stock. 

In response, RSSB standards project 21-008 is developing a new standard called RIS-0799-CCS ERTMS/ETCS Baseline 3 Onboard Subsystem Requirements (planned for publication in June 2023). This will combine the requirements of RIS-0797-CCS and RIS-0798 and address consultation comments arising from the one-year review. As a part of this project, RSSB, with support from standards project 21-008’s drafting review group, will review and if considered acceptable, include these changes to the requirements in RIS-0799-CCS.

RSSB is sharing this information with industry as it is considered beneficial to provide early visibility of potential future changes rather than wait for the publication of RIS-0799-CCS when approved. It is important to note that the proposed changes in the received requests for help will not have rail industry acceptance until RIS-0799-CCS has been fully consulted on with industry. Thereafter they will need to be approved by the Control Command and Signalling Standards Committee and supporting committees for publication.