ERTMS: High-performance, European-standard signalling

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The ERTMS, or European Rail Traffic Management System, is a railway signalling system shared by all European countries. This technology allows more trains to run safely without the need to change signalling systems at borders. It is one of the key building blocks of the digital signalling systems of the future.

What is the ERTMS?

Did you know?

ERTMS is a digital signalling system that constantly monitors train location and speed. It displays the maximum authorised speed on the driver’s screen, based on the train’s specifications (top speed, braking capabilities). Like an advanced cruise control system, it provides real-time updates and enforces the speed limits depending on traffic and route conditions (curves, tunnels, etc.),  thereby enhancing safety. An optional speed regulator can also be added to manage the train’s optimal speed automatically.

ERTMS: A three-part ecosystem

ERTMS components

Major advantages

  • A European standard

    ERTMS promotes interoperability across Europe’s rail networks, making cross-border traffic smoother and more efficient.

  • More trains, more reliability

    ERTMS reduces the spacing needed between trains. The result: Increased capacity, smoother flows and greater punctuality.

  • A more resilient network

    ERTMS allows trains to run in both directions on each track of a line.

  • Improved operational performance

    Continuous monitoring of train position and speed enables safe, high-performance traffic management.

Deployment of ERTMS

In France, recently built lines are already equipped with ERTMS, and all new lines will be as well. On older lines, deployment is either underway or planned, often in conjunction with prior modernisation works.
8,000

km of lines

equipped across Europe, including over 1,000 km in France

100,000

km of European lines

must be equipped by 2050

Nearly 100%

of high-speed lines

in France to be equipped by 2040

230

trains per day

currently run on the national rail network using ERTMS technology

A timetable driven by Europe

European regulations require the progressive rollout of ERTMS in France, as in all other EU countries: 

  • By 2030, on a core network of around 9,100 km 
  • By 2040, on a further 2,700 km of extended core network
  • By 2050, on an additional 5,300 km of comprehensive network

France’s National ERTMS Deployment Plan, outlining the rollout schedule through to 2040, was published by the national authorities in December 2024.

A project for the entire rail industry

ERTMS deployment is being carried out in close collaboration with partners across the rail industry. This ensures that the right expertise is in place to support the scaling-up of this technology, and that manufacturers are equipping rolling stock to be compatible with the new system.

Building the network with our partners

Final stretch for the Paris–Lyon line

Since 2019, the Paris–Lyon high-speed line has been undergoing works to prepare for ERTMS deployment. A major milestone was reached in November 2024, when traffic was halted for four days to prepare for the system’s entry into service. ERTMS is expected to increase capacity on this line by 25%: By 2030, the line is projected to handle 16 trains per hour in each direction, up from 13 today.

Europe, funding the ERTMS

Did you know?

In line with its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, the European Union aims to accelerate the development of a trans-European network to better connect member states through sustainable modes of transport.

The European Commission provides financial support for numerous rail projects via the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). ERTMS lies at the heart of this development policy. Among the grants already awarded:

  • €31 million for the installation of ERTMS onboard 252 French vehicles
  • €120 million for the deployment of ERTMS on the Paris–Lyon high-speed line 
  • €45 million for deployment along the Longuyon–Basel section of the North Sea–Mediterranean Corridor 
  • €32.5 million to equip 220 km of track between Nice and Ventimiglia
Building the railways of Europe