The first FLIRT trains with the ETCS GUARDIA signalling system have now entered operation in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
Multiple units were retrofitted with ETCS in a project undertaken by Stadler in collaboration with operator Arriva. This included equipping eight FLIRTs with the latest ETCS-GUARDIA system from Stadler. The trains are now operating across borders in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
The ETCS system is only required on Belgian routes, while trains operating in Germany and the Netherlands still use the Class B Systems PZB and ATB.
These units had to be integrated into the ETCS system to enable cross-border operation and, for the first time, transfer-free operation between major cities in the three countries.
Michiel Cusell, Regional Director of Arriva Limburg, said: "The introduction of ETCS on our three country 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 retrofitting of our fleet for Arriva with determination and perseverance. This was done in co-operation not only with the suppliers, but also with the regulatory authorities in Europe and the three countries involved."
Marc Trippel, Executive Vice President of Stadler's Signalling Division, said: “Extending the area of operation of the vehicles to include cross-border traffic increases the value of the vehicle fleet and fulfils a long-held wish of passengers in the border region.
“With our ETCS-GUARDIA system, we have a customised system that can also be cost-effective when retrofitting small fleets.”
"The core strategic goals for intelligent mobility in the European Union are to improve international connectivity, support automation and provide access to zero-emission vehicles. By upgrading the Stadler FLIRT to our ETCS system, we have supported precisely these three core objectives.”
The ETCS-GUARDIA system is already in use in several European countries, including Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Switzerland.
Image credit: iStock
