Swedish transport authorities have given the go-ahead for implementation of Bombardier’s Interflo450 ERTMS signalling technology, as part of a nationwide 11,000 kilometre rail network modernisation programme.

The approval by the country’s two transportation agencies, Trafikverket and Transportstyrelsen, means Bombardier Transportation is the first supplier to receive the go-ahead for its ERTMS Level 2 technology for Sweden, and verifies that the Interflo 450 wayside solution meets national and European technical and safety standards.

Reducing maintenance

It follows successful test operations performed on both the Adal and Bothnia pilot lines which began in 2012 and now run with 99.9 per cent availability, more than four times better than the existing system. Initially created to enable European cross-border rail traffic, the high-capacity ERTMS Level 2 signalling standard provides accurate and continuous radio-based, automatic train protection.

The wayside system can cater to higher-speed operations, optimising the flow of trains and supporting network interoperability, while reducing maintenance costs. Bombardier was the first supplier worldwide to commission ERTMS Level 2 for operation and today its solutions are used in 26 countries.

‘Proud to continue’

Thore Sekkenes, Managing Director of Bombardier Transportation Sweden, said: “Our deep Swedish roots make us even more proud to continue providing the latest digital rail technology to help Sweden keep pace with increasing passenger and freight demand. With this final regulatory approval, our INTERFLO 450 solution is ready to play its part in the roll-out of ERTMS Level 2 rail control across Sweden, improving speeds, reliability and capacity while increasing integration with the rest of Europe.”

Bombardier’s France operation meanwhile has become an official member of the Technical Research Institute Railenium (TRI), a French Government-led project which brings together key stakeholders from the rail industry to support national goals of innovation and collaboration to improve rail industry strategies. Railenium’s members develop, test and validate new technologies and solutions to meet future challenges.

Collaboration

Bombardier and Railenium have already collaborated on several research and development projects. These include bogie maintenance programme DYNABOG, EVAST, which looks at shunting, and EFAR, which focuses on brake testing methods.

Laurent Bouyer, President of Bombardier Transportation France, said: “Joining Railenium fits perfectly into our R&D strategy, as we intend to boost our activities and further strengthen the rail sector by supporting research programmes that drive innovation, increase performance and improve the competitiveness of rolling stock products.”