ETCS approval boosts Traxx locomotives for cross-border use

The European Union Agency for Railways has officially approved the onboard ETCS on Traxx Universal locomotives. With the approval, Czech freight hauliers will be able to further enhance cross-border operations, improving safety, efficiency, and interoperability on the main European rail corridors.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

It facilitates smooth international freight operations

With software approval of version VR01.5, locomotives may be used on corridors inside Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Luxembourg, and Serbia. Thus, carriers enjoy greater competitiveness and European logistics flexibility.

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“It is a very meaningful development not only for us at Alstom, but also for European interoperability of rail generally,” said Dan Kurucz, Czech Republic and Slovakia Managing Director of the company. “Cross-border services are vital to the European freight movement.”

It also conforms to the latest signalling standard that improves interoperability and safety, the ETCS Baseline 3. In addition, it recovers Austria’s Class B lines, where it is mandatory to circulate exclusively by ETCS, allowing harmonised cross-border rail traffic.

Czech freight hauliers profit by ETCS approval

The approval is good news for operators like RegioJet and ČD Cargo, both of which operate Traxx Class 388 locomotives. Since November 2024, 13 locomotives with VR01.5 have been deployed, initially with test permits and thereafter with full international approval.

Meanwhile, older software fleets will be progressively replaced by the new standard. Additional, Onvia Cab will upgrade the 386 series locomotives of Metrans to provide increased interoperability on broader European operations.

Traxx locomotives: modular concept for diverse needs

Traxx Universal locomotives have a modular design platform that can be tailored to freight and passenger service. Traxx Universal locomotives are available in the AC, DC, and multi-system configurations and offer energy efficiency, high reliability, and long maintenance intervals that enhance availability.

One of the unique features of it is the “Last Mile” feature, which allows locomotives to pass directly between electrified tracks and non-electrified tracks. It allows access directly to terminals, ports, and industries by not requiring more shunting equipment.

Source, photo: www.alstom.com

What is ETCS and why is it important?

European Train Control System, or ETCS, is the harmonised signaling system that enhances safety and interoperability across the continent of Europe. It allows smooth cross-border movements of trains, which reduces complexity for freight hauliers.

Which Czech operators have ETCS approval?

RegioJet and ČD Cargo will profit directly. Their Traxx Class 388 locomotives can be used internationally, increasing competitiveness on Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and other European routes.

How does the “Last Mile” feature improve Traxx locomotives?

“Last Mile” system allows locomotives to operate on non-electrified tracks after leaving mainlines. Therefore, they can access ports, terminals, and industrial installations directly and avoid unnecessary shunting, making the logistics operations more efficient.

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