ERTMS fleet retrofit programme

Challenge

As part of the programme to extend European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) – the European standard for Automatic Train Protection (ATP) - across the Dutch network, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), the largest train operator in the Netherlands, committed to retrofit the necessary onboard equipment to its fleet of 176 double deck VIRM passenger EMUs

The VIRMs were built between 1994 and 2009 to serve domestic intercity routes. However, to operate on lines fitted with ERTMS Level 2, the vehicles need to carry requisite onboard technology such as an ERTMS - European Vital Computer (EVC) with the appropriate radio communication systems, the Train Interface Unit (TIU), the odometry system, and the Juridical Recording Unit (JRU).

To manage the delivery of such a complex assignment - where delays could impact the availability of the fleet to uphold current service levels - NS appointed Ricardo to assist in preparing the Specification of System and Process Requirements (SSPR), detailing the full technical and process specifications for inclusion in the formal EU tender documents presented to the market and the eventual Purchase Agreement.

Approach 

The Ricardo team worked with NS staff to define the requirements and draft the SSPR and the Verification & Validation substantiation report.

Roles and services performed by the Ricardo team included:

• Lead engineer - providing integral knowledge of both ERTMS technology and the VIRM platform
• Requirements engineers - with in-depth understanding of ERTMS and its subcomponents, including GSMR
• Requirements managers (IREB certified); assigned to set up the requirements management process and support the management of the Polarion requirements tool used by NS

Results

Drawing on the experience and technical input of Ricardo’s experts, the SSPR was prepared as per the planned schedule, setting out the functional requirements of the refitted fleet as well as the delivery timeframes and performance expectations of the successful supplier.

Suppliers could also use the SSPR to understand the full scope of the project, and self-assess their ability to meet the deliverables, either as a single bidding party or as a consortium.

As well as ensuring an unbiased tender process, the inclusion of the SSPR would invite more suitable bids from the competing parties.

In 2022, the contract to retrofit the entire VIRM fleet was issued to Siemens Mobility, who were contracted to provide the onboard unit equipment, the installation support, and specified maintenance services.

The programme is expected to complete in 2030, by which time the entire fleet will be able to operate on ERTMS routes for the remainder of its lifetime, while also meeting the European standards for safety and interoperability.