ERTMS stands for European Rail Traffic Management System and involves the introduction of digital train safety in Europe. ERTMS is crucial for the future because current ATB technology is reaching its end of life. ERTMS is considered the biggest change in rail technology in 70 years, with significance for the next 100 years. With ERTMS, the digitalization of the railway network begins. Since 2019, the ERTMS Program has been mandated by the government to implement this change. The entire rail sector is involved.
Dealing with uncertainties plays a key role in the challenges posed by the ERTMS Program. Uncertainties can arise from the multitude of technical challenges, processes, and organizations, but also from the European and political context. A feasible schedule and a sufficient budget are key indicators. However, experience with the Program so far shows that it is much more of a transition challenge than a consolidation of numerous large projects. All parties involved, led by ProRail and NS, recognize this.
A transition means that a "business as usual" approach is not feasible. The rail sector is gradually realizing that only an integrated and collaborative approach can be successful. To achieve this, the rail sector must work on building mutual trust within the challenging ERTMS approach. This can be achieved by not moving too quickly and causing significant disruption to users, but by learning from the insights gained from an integrated, gradual, and progressive rollout of ERTMS within the Netherlands.
At Delta Pi, we handle risk management. Within the Program's renewed approach, we strive to reliably achieve our program objectives. The threats to achieving these objectives stem from the traditional risk-based approach applied to the many underlying projects. However, to truly achieve the ERTMS objectives, the program's challenge is to also identify the top-down risks that must be addressed jointly by all parties (from the ministry to the contractor). This requires a much broader approach to risk management.
Want to learn more about Delta Pi or get acquainted? Contact us at info@delta-pi.nl or call 085-301 80 92.
