Now that October Transport Month in South Africa has concluded, the local railway industry finds itself on the brink of a rail renaissance, echoing the theme of the recent Railway Safety Regulator conference.
The restructuring of Transnet, known as the vertical separation of Transnet, with the establishment of the Transnet Interim Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) and the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC), sets the stage for a new era in competitive rail transportation.
This shift aims to open the national rail infrastructure to multiple operators, fostering competition, enhancing service quality, and, most importantly, driving efficiency in South Africa’s rail transport sector. These changes are expected to benefit the country’s economy.
"To achieve this and accommodate multiple operators on the network, a standardised and interoperable signalling system will be essential for the success of open access,” states Patrick Moodley, CEO of Siemens Mobility South Africa.
The European Train Control System (ETCS) emerges as a strategic choice for modernising South Africa's railways, offering a standardised approach that prioritises interoperability, safety, and operational efficiency. By enabling trains equipped with ETCS to interact seamlessly with trackside equipment, the system is especially crucial in an open-access setup, where multiple operators need to function on the same network.
“In an environment where multiple operators will share the same infrastructure, such a system ensures that trains from different companies can interact seamlessly with the signalling infrastructure, supporting safe and efficient operations across shared tracks,” explains Moodley.
Why ETCS is the Optimal Choice
The global deployment of ERTMS/ETCS beyond Europe, in countries such as South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Mexico, demonstrates its adaptability and the advantages it brings to diverse rail environments.
Many nations have embraced ETCS to address various challenges, such as enhancing capacity and safety on existing infrastructure. For example, ETCS has been implemented on high-speed lines in Taiwan and freight corridors in Saudi Arabia, reflecting its versatility in supporting diverse types of rail operations.
"ETCS encourages a competitive supply market, as it is based on open standards, allowing for multiple vendors to offer compatible solutions. This flexibility helps avoid vendor lock-in, stimulates technological innovation and potentially reduces costs for operators," adds Moodley.
More than 53,000 km of ETCS equipped railway lines and 5,900 vehicles are in service or have been contracted outside Europe.
Supporting Both Passenger and Freight Services
ETCS’s compatibility with both passenger and freight services allows for seamless integration.
“The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has already taken steps by implementing the PRASA In-Cab Signalling (PICS) system to modernise its services. TFROC could benefit from adopting ETCS Level 1 for freight operations, which would provide immediate safety improvements as an overlay to existing systems without necessitating extensive infrastructure changes,” Moodley notes.
By reducing the headway between trains, it increases line capacity by up to 30%, making it a practical choice for addressing growing transport demands. The adoption of ETCS significantly enhances safety by offering continuous train monitoring and automatic protection against over speeding. This improvement can make rail transport more appealing compared to road alternatives, helping shift more freight and passengers onto the rails.
Future-Proofing the Rail Network
Implementing ETCS aligns South Africa with international standards, minimising the risk of technological obsolescence. As a globally recognised system, it ensures that the rail network remains compatible with future innovations and enhances its attractiveness to international investors and partners.
“Adopting ETCS supports the open-access framework by providing the necessary interoperability and safety standards, making it essential for the practical implementation of multiple operators sharing the same infrastructure. Its phased implementation approach allows for the gradual upgrade of existing systems, minimising service disruptions and spreading investment costs,” concludes Moodley.
As the South African railway industry embarks on this rail renaissance, the adoption of the European Train Control System (ETCS) represents a strategic move to modernise and improve the competitiveness of the rail network. By enhancing interoperability, safety, and operational flexibility, ETCS supports the transition to open access, driving the rail sector towards a more efficient and sustainable future.
About Siemens Mobility
Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €10.5 billion and employed around 39,800 people worldwide. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/mobility
