Banverket (The Swedish Rail Administration) has appointed Beijer Electronics as the main supplier of robust industrial data communication equipment for ERTMS 2 (European Rail Traffic Management System, tier 2), through its subsidiary Westermo. ERTMS 2 is a new traffic control system for rail transport in the EU.
Banverket is the first body in the world to test the new ERTMS 2 signaling control system, with functionality including displaying bridges, stations and crossings. The system enables the advance control of speeds and rakes so drivers can plan their runs better. The system recently had its first-ever test on Ådalsbanan, a rail-link on northern Sweden's east coast, to ensure control signals and crossing bars were functioning.
Trackside communication from crossings and signals is enabled by SHDSL technology from Beijer Electronics' subsidiary Westermo. Westermo's Ethernet Extenders facilitate reliable long-distance Internet communication over existing copper wire. This means substantial cost savings by avoiding investment in optical fiber.
The EU Commission has granted Sweden 46 MEUR of EU subsidies for the TEN-T trans-Europe transport network. The money is intended to speed up and simplify personal and freight transport in the EU. The installation of ERMTS 2 in infrastructure and vehicle equipment is one of the projects funded, with a 22 MEUR grant.
Botniabanan, another rail-link further north on the same coastline, will open next year, and this 190 km link will be Sweden's first equipped with ERTMS 2.