ETCS for the entire Swiss network.

By 2015, ETCS will supersede conventional train control systems throughout the Swiss network. ETCS Level 1 “Limited Supervision” creates the basis for a swift and economical transition to ETCS.

Thanks to this simplified version of Level 1, implementation of ETCS in the current rail environment is possible with minimal impact on the existing systems, thus also keeping costs low. On most of the network, the Swiss ZUB/SIGNUM train control system is being replaced by ETCS Level 1 Limited Supervision (L1LS). On the new high-speed lines, ETCS Level 2 will be used in order to reduce journey times and substantially improve performance.

Network-wide migration is taking place in two phases:

• Phase 1: Trackside equipment for the existing ZUB and Signum systems is being replaced by Eurobalises or EuroLoops. This will improve availability and safety.

• Phase 2: A software upgrade brings the Eurobalises up to ETCS Level 1 Limited Supervision standard, thus achieving technological interoperability with the rest of Europe. From 2015, vehicles will only need to be equipped with one system for access to Switzerland’s entire standard-gauge network: ETCS.