Thursday, May 30, 2024 The FLIRT trains outfitted with the ETCS GUARDIA signaling system are now operational in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, managed by Dutch operator Arriva. This advancement marks the completion of integrating ETCS technology, developed by Stadler, into cross-border railway operations. Previously, Stadler successfully retrofitted trains from other manufacturers as part of a pilot project in 2023 aimed at accelerating the implementation of ETCS across Germany.
This initiative, in partnership with Arriva, involved equipping eight FLIRT trains with the state-of-the-art ETCS-GUARDIA system, paving the way for these trains to operate seamlessly across national borders. Currently, the ETCS system is mandatory only for routes in Belgium, whereas in the Netherlands and Germany, operations still utilize Class B systems like PZB and ATB. However, integrating these systems with the ETCS has been crucial for enabling uninterrupted, cross-border travel.
This integration facilitates the first-ever, transfer-free travel between the major urban centers in the “tri-border” region encompassing Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, enhancing connectivity and travel efficiency across these nations. Michiel Cusell, Regional Director of Arriva Limburg : “The introduction of ETCS on our threecountry train fulfils a long-held wish. Our passengers can now travel from Liège to Aachen via Maastricht.
Stadler has coordinated and realised the development and retrofitt.