With the introduction of ERTMS in the Netherlands, choices and developments have influenced more than one party simultaneously. It impacts the infrastructure, the train, users and procedures. This also means that a decision about the ERTMS system cannot be decided unilaterally by one party. These types of decisions must be made in conjunction with all parties.
The ERTMS Programme Management has been assigned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management to perform this task for the duration of the ERTMS programme. Once the ERTMS programme ends, the sector will need to take over this task.
IST situation: the current state of affairs
Part of the tasks under system management are already being performed. It is not always clear where and in which way these tasks have been set. Currently, the ERTMS Programme Management makes the overarching decisions related to the introduction of ERTMS in the Netherlands. These decisions are made together with the ministry and the implementation organisations.
Future: SOLL situation
The ERTMS Programme Management, together with parties involved, will propose a new structure of ERTMS system management in the future. First, we defined ERTMS system management. Together with the sector, and in different work groups and meetings, we drafted basic principles for the future situation. For inspiration, we looked at the way system management is organised in other countries, such as Germany, Switzerland and Norway. We also looked at different industries that have a form of system management, such as aviation, electricity and telecom.
Over the next period, we will elaborate our findings and draft a proposal for a gradual implementation of an independent ERTMS system management.