Simplification of trainborne equipment.

The objective of ETCS is to create a standardised European train control system and thus harmonise rolling stock equipment.

This standardisation relates primarily to the transmission of data between track and vehicle (air interface). The data transmitted via the components of the ETCS system can generally be obtained from or generated by the existing train control systems that are interfaced to ETCS equipment.

With ETCS, different levels are distinguished according to the degree of sophistication of equipment and/or functions. Definition of the level depends on how the line is equipped and how data is transmitted to the train. As a rule, permission to proceed, along with the corresponding route information, is sent to the train and displayed to the driver in the cab (“cab signalling”). Any vehicle that has full ERTMS/ETCS (EuroCab) equipment and functions can, from the technological point of view, operate without restriction on any ETCS line.