PRASA’s Implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2: Evolution in Rail Safety Management

At this year’s Railway Safety Conference, hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), Athanacious Makgamatha from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) delivered a detailed presentation under the sub-theme “Evolution of the Traditional Rail Safety Management Systems.” The presentation outlined the technical aspects and key milestones of PRASA’s ETCS trial.

The objective of the ETCS Level 2 Trial

The key goal of PRASA’s ETCS Level 2 trial was to validate the integration of the onboard train control system with the new signalling infrastructure along the rail track. This trial was designed to test the interoperability between different suppliers and provide full validation of PRASA’s new EMU subsystems. The ETCS Level 2 system would also help PRASA ensure that the trains met safety and engineering performance standards.

Understanding ERTMS and Its Importance for PRASA

The European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a suite of standards for the management and interoperability of railway signalling systems, implemented across the European Union. ERTMS is underpinned by the European Train Control System (ETCS), which assists train drivers with signalling information, supervises train movements, and ensures compliance with safety standards.

For PRASA, adopting ERTMS/ETCS is crucial for several reasons:

• Improved operational suitability and increased capacity to support a growing rail network.
• Enhanced safety through reduced train collisions.
• Improved reliability and availability of train services.
• Centralised train control and better communication between trains and control systems.

Validation and Testing: A Detailed Approach

PRASA adopted a rigorous validation process, following a systems engineering approach known as the V-Model, which is widely used in safety-critical industries. This approach allowed PRASA to verify and validate the design, build, and performance of the new EMU trains. The first set of trains were built in Brazil, and once they arrived in South Africa, PRASA conducted extensive testing to ensure compliance with international safety standards.

Key Validation Milestones:

• Train No. 1 (T01) was used for structural and dynamic testing. It had minimal interior fittings and was equipped primarily with essential technical components.
• Train No. 2 (T02) was partially equipped with passenger-related subsystems, allowing the testing team to focus on passenger comfort and safety.

Pilot Section: Olifantsfontein to Irene ETCS Level 2 Trial

The ETCS Level 2 trial was conducted on a track section between Olifantsfontein and Irene, with the train communicating via GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway). The train control system interface was managed through a Radio Block Centre (RBC), which coordinated train movements by receiving and transmitting information from the signalling systems to the train.

Challenges and Solutions: Theft, Vandalism, and Interference

One significant challenge during the trial was the theft and vandalism of equipment, particularly the Eurobalises (Trainguard from Siemens) which transmit data between the train and the track. PRASA responded by introducing tighter security measures and changing the colour of the balises to reduce their visibility and theft risk.

Additionally, PRASA faced interference issues with its GSM-R system due to frequency overlap with nearby telecom providers. PRASA collaborated with technical teams to resolve the issue by adjusting power levels and ensuring stable communications during train operations.

Partnerships and Collaboration

The success of the ETCS Level 2 trial was made possible through strong collaboration between PRASA and several key partners:

• Gibela/Alstom supplied the new EMU trains and integrated the train control systems.
• Siemens provided the new signalling system and supported the ETCS integration.
• Huawei supplied the GSM-R digital radio network, ensuring reliable communication between trains and the signalling systems.

Future Outlook: Implementing ETCS Across the Network

PRASA’s pilot trial has laid the groundwork for broader deployment across South Africa’s rail network. The next major step is the complete resignalling of the KwaZulu-Natal region, which will be fully enabled with ERTMS/ETCS, marking the first region to adopt this advanced system for commercial operations.

PRASA’s implementation of the ETCS Level 2 system marks a critical milestone in modernising South Africa’s rail network. By adopting international standards PRASA is not only improving the safety and efficiency of its rail services but also positioning itself at the forefront of rail technology in Africa.

As the project progresses, PRASA’s efforts will continue to enhance the reliability of the country’s rail infrastructure, bringing about a new era of safety and operational excellence.

Key Takeaways:

• The ETCS Level 2 trial demonstrated the interoperability of the new EMU trains with PRASA’s modern signalling infrastructure.
• The adoption of ERTMS/ETCS is essential for improving the safety, efficiency, and capacity of South Africa’s rail network.
• Collaboration with industry partners such as Gibela/Alstom, Siemens, and Huawei was crucial to the success of the pilot project.
• Future deployments will expand the use of ETCS across other regions, beginning with KwaZulu-Natal.