The FLIRT trains outfitted with the ETCS GUARDIA signaling system are now operational in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, under the management of Dutch operator Arriva. This breakthrough marks the successful integration of ETCS technology into cross-border railway operations, a milestone achieved by Stadler.
In a previous pilot project conducted in 2023, Stadler retrofitted trains from other manufacturers with the aim of accelerating the implementation of ETCS across Germany. This initiative, in collaboration with Arriva, involved equipping eight FLIRT trains with the cutting-edge ETCS-GUARDIA system, paving the way for seamless operation across borders.
Currently, the ETCS system is mandatory only for routes in Belgium, while the Netherlands and Germany still utilize Class B systems like PZB and ATB. However, the integration of these systems with the ETCS has been essential for enabling uninterrupted, cross-border travel.
This integration allows for the first-ever transfer-free travel between major metropolitan areas in the “tri-border” region encompassing Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, significantly enhancing connectivity and travel efficiency across these countries.
Michiel Cusell, Regional Director of Arriva Limburg, expressed his satisfaction: “The introduction of ETCS on our three-country train fulfills a long-standing wish. Our passengers can now travel from Liège to Aachen via Maastricht. Stadler has orchestrated and executed the development and retrofitting of our fleet for Arriva with determination and perseverance. This was achieved in collaboration not only with suppliers but also with regulatory authorities in Europe and the three countries involved.”
Marc Trippel, Executive Vice President of Stadler’s Signalling Division, elaborated: “We are delighted to have successfully implemented this project for a portion of our extensive FLIRT fleet in the Netherlands. Expanding the operational scope of the vehicles to include cross-border traffic increases the value of the vehicle fleet and fulfills a long-held desire of passengers in the border region. With our ETCS-GUARDIA system, we offer a tailored solution that is also cost-effective when retrofitting smaller fleets. Bringing our first train equipped with our own ETCS to Belgian tracks marks a significant step toward extending our presence in Europe.”
“The core strategic objectives for intelligent mobility in the European Union are to enhance international connectivity, promote automation, and ensure access to zero-emission vehicles. By upgrading the Stadler FLIRT to our ETCS system, we have supported all three of these key goals: We are now operating signal-controlled, in cross-border operation, in the heart of Europe,” stated Daniel Baer, Executive Vice President of Stadler’s Service Division.
Stadler’s ETCS GUARDIA system is designed to address several strategic needs of modern rail transport, including increasing travel speeds, ensuring interoperability, leveraging existing infrastructure, and achieving cost efficiency – all while maintaining current safety standards. These enhancements are crucial as rail operators strive to meet the growing demand for efficient and reliable rail services.
Stadler’s partnership with technology company AngelStar in developing the ETCS onboard solutions demonstrates its commitment to customer-focused innovation and cost efficiency. The ETCS-GUARDIA system, renowned for its robust electronic technology, has already been approved and deployed in several European countries, including Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia.
Stadler remains a leader in providing innovative and reliable solutions that redefine the capabilities and future of rail transport in Europe.
