Eurotunnel to work with RFF to install new radio communication system

Eurotunnel has launched a project to install a state of the art radio communication system in the Channel Tunnel which will provide full interoperability with the entire European railway network by 2014. The contract with Alcatel-Lucent, announced on 15 December 2009 is for GSM-R, the first phase of the ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System).

To strengthen cooperation with the adjoining networks1 and in order to control costs, Eurotunnel has signed a contract of circa €11 million with RFF, that will run until 2025, to share equipment (network, fixed terminal servers) and maintenance under the conditions of the performance regime for the track to train radio system used on the Eurotunnel infrastructure.

The partnership will enable:

• The development of an open and interoperable European network for both freight and high speed passenger trains;
• Cross fertilisation of ideas between public railway networks and private infrastructure operators.

Eurotunnel has always maintained its infrastructure to the highest standards and now hopes to facilitate the introduction of real competition in cross Channel rail services.

Jacques Gounon, Chairman and Chief Executive of Groupe Eurotunnel, stated: “The level of interoperability achieved through the installation of the GSM-R system, and the introduction of new international services, opens up the possibility of an optimal use of the capacity available in the Channel Tunnel”.

Hubert du Mesnil, Chairman and Chief Executive of Réseau Ferré de France, said: “This collaboration between infrastructure managers, especially in an area that is so strategic in terms of safety as the communication between track and train, is a new step towards greater harmonisation in European railway transport”.

Reference

1. High Speed One and Network Rail in the UK are equipped with a similar GSM-R system for management and data transfer