Euskal Trenbide Sarea (ETS-RFV) has awarded Thales with the renewal of the Euroloop Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system to the ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) Level 1.
The contract will be executed in three phases, beginning with a pilot section between the Araso and Hendaye facilities in France, followed by the Usurbil-Araso section. Simultaneously, an ERTMS Central Station with two Command Posts will be set up to manage the new system.
A detailed engineering study specific to the ETS network's unique characteristics will be developed prior to the system's installation, along with the drafting of the construction project.
The implementation of this European standard signalling system enables technical interoperability, as well as standardize the interfaces and protocols between the onboard equipment in Euskotren trains and the ETS track infrastructure. This initiative will allow the Basque railway network to achieve safety, reliability, and technology standards on par with those of other European rail networks.
With an installation and execution period of 60 months, including 45 months of maintenance of the new installations and a budget of over 13 million Euro, this project is a crucial first step in replacing the Seltrac Euroloop system throughout the Basque railway network with a European standard and interoperable automatic train protection system.
For the execution of the maintenance services, Thales services area has extensive experience in different countries on all types of railway lines, including the installation of its technology on the ETS network for 13 years, and has therefore demonstrated that it has the necessary capabilities and experience to ensure the operability of ERTMS Level 1 on the section covered by the contract.
Regarding the maintenance services Thales has an extensive experience in maintenance services in various countries on all types of railway lines, including 13 years of installing its technology on the ETS network, thus proving its capabilities and experience to guarantee the operability of ERTMS Level 1 for the contracted section.
Thales and Euskal Trenbide Sarea (ETS), technology pioneers in Basque mobility
The collaboration between Thales and ETS began in 1995 with the installation of the Seltrac Euroloop, system in the Basque Country, a train protection system that includes on-board and on-track equipment. Over the years, this system has proven its capability and adaptability, servicing different types of trains and freight engines.
Furthermore, this cooperation over the years has facilitated the deployment of both electric and electronic interlockings, CTC control stations, switch drives, axle counters of different generations and jointless track circuits.
With this contract, Thales embarks on the installation of ERTMS on the Euskadi network, leveraging its broad extensive experience and reliability with this system, as demonstrated by the more than 2,700 kilometers already deployed in Spain, Turkey, Mexico, Senegal and Greece.
