Mott MacDonald appointed as independent reviewer of ETCS implementation, Belgium

The Belgian Mobility and Transport Federal Public Services (FPS) has appointed Mott MacDonald to review European Train Control System (ETCS) plans on the country’s conventional and high-speed rail network. ETCS is currently being rolled-out across Europe to standardise train control and simplify cross-border rail travel between European Union member states.

Infrabel, the Belgian railway infrastructure manager, has developed a masterplan to implement the ETCS across Belgium’s entire rail network by 2022 and the national train operating company, SNCB/NMBS, plans to migrate their fleet to ETCS standards. During phase one of the project, Mott MacDonald will review the masterplan and migration plan.

This will include investigating how well placed Infrabel and SNCB/NMBS are to deliver the roll out of the new system. Phase two will see the consultancy follow up audits and share findings with the Mobility and Transport FPS.

The work involves analysing the starting points for migration, reviewing investments for ETCS, identifying and recommending possible alternatives or optimisations and carrying out cost benefit analysis. Mott MacDonald will also audit the programme management of Infrabel and SNCB/NMBS, the Mobility and Transport FPS’ monitoring system and interface management. The consultancy will create a training programme to enable the Mobility and Transport FPS staff to review and audit themselves and will recommend improvements for monitoring and programme management.

Phase one is due to be completed by summer 2015.