Operational Scenarios for ETCS L2 without lineside light signals “La Maquette”

1. Illustration of an Automated Emergency Stop using sensor information from detection systems, e.g. falling rocks, avalanches and strong winds.
   
2. Implementation of an Emergency Area:
   This scenario is an example of the work of the System Pillar’s Operational Design Domain. Scenario ‘T64’ deals with stopping trains before they reach a hazardous area or switching to OS mode in unclear situations, such as people on the track. Thanks to ETCS functionality, it is possible to translate the emergency alert into a Movement Authority or an Emergency Stop (Unconditional, Conditional).

Please find more information about the scenario discussion directly in the relevant System Pillar work documents SP-Polarion and OS (available for registered users only), or by downloading the PDFs:

• SP T64 Emergency Area
• SP T64 OS Emergency

PDFs are available until 16 April 2026.

Don’t hesitate to contact the workshop System Pillar Crew with Florian Candela ( ), Loris Da Molin () Sebastian Post () and Werner Ried ()

Operational Scenarios “SIGMAT” Background information

1. Start of Mission as it is today
   

   – Position is not valid (no Cold Movement Detection or train was moved cold)
   – After data entry and pressing start, the DMI shows empty screen followed by blinking Staff Responsible (SR) Icon
   – Driver calls signaller
   – Signaller issues European Instruction #7
   – Driver acknowledges SR and starts driving
   – After passing the first balise the position is valid and DMI shows OS Mode followed by FS

2. Start of Mission with Non-Valid Position
   – Proposed SoM with text messages and automated SR
   – Position is not valid (no Cold Movement Detection or train was moved cold)
   – After data entry and pressing start the DMI shows “Wait”
   – When route is been set the DMI shows a text message that allows to proceed
   – Driver acknowledges SR and starts driving
   – After passing the first balise the position is valid and OBU will go into OS mode followed by FS Mode
3. Start of Mission with Valid Position
   – Train starts from Power Off / position is valid
   – Data entry with wrong Train Running Number, the DMI shows “Not planned”
   – Correct data entry and pressing start the DMI shows “Wait”
   – When route is been set the DMI shows OS mode followed by FS Mode
   – Driver starts driving

Please find more information about the scenarios discussed directly in the relevant System Pillar documents (available for registered users only).

The ETCS for Europe, developed by the EU-Rail System Pillar for ETCS L2 without lineside light signals, will be available in a database freely accessible to all railways.

For more information, please visit the EU-Rail website and consult the deliverables of the EU-Rail System Pillar.

Workflows and modern digital representation techniques should make it easier to understand, teach and apply harmonised ETCS rules for safe and efficient European railway system.

Try the demo here! 

Choose either the “signaller’s” or “driver’s” view on the “big picture” home page, and click on the safety principles or process examples (blue highlighted fields are clickable).

Demo, visual 1

Demo, visual 2

Demo, visual 3

System Pillar results in preparation for a database of harmonised ETCS rules

• Standards for the future in a Single European Railway Area
• Public availability
• Possibility of innovative digital representation of operational rules using workflows with Swim Lanes, Digital and AI-Methods focused on end-user needs

For more information, please contact Sebastian Post () or Werner Ried () from the SP OD-Domain. For matters concerning the technical aspects of the representation, contact Jens Glöckner from DB Systel ().

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