Bombardier’s ETCS Technology Approved in Spain

The BOMBARDIER EBI Cab 2000 automatic train protection (ATP) system has been approved for commercial operation on the high-speed AVE S-130 trains. This is the first approval of an AVE S-130 train equipped with the Bombardier onboard European Train Control System (ETCS) rail control technology.

RENFE, the Spanish National Rail Operator can increase the commercial speed from the present 200 km/h to 250 km/h and therefore reduce the travel times in some of its routes. RENFE ordered 45 AVE S-130 trains with variable gauge from the Talgo-Bombardier consortium in order to serve the entire Spanish railway network, operating under AC and DC current systems as well as under all existing ATP systems in Spain. This train series is the only one in the RENFE fleet that can work with all the existing national signalling technologies (ERTMS, LZB, EBI Cab 900 TBS and ASFA). The trains are designed for passenger service up to a maximum speed of 250 km/h and are equipped with toptechnology and interoperable systems in order to operate on Spain’s new high speed lines, as well as on the country’s conventional network.

Bombardier is providing the complete electric and electronic equipment including the propulsion and auxiliary power systems and the ATP system. The approval of the EBI Cab 2000 system covers operation in ETCS Level 1 and Level STM (specific transmission module) mode and will allow the AVE S-130 trains to make dynamic transitions between ETCS Level 1 and all national wayside ATP systems by interfacing with integrated STMs. The train-by-train authorisation for the Bombardier’s ETCS technology has initially been awarded for 23 trains to operate on the lines Madrid-Valladolid and Madrid-Lérida.

Anders Lindberg, head of the Bombardier Transporation Rail Control Solutions Division, commented: ‘This is a significant milestone for Bombardier in Spain and adds to our global portfolio of ERTMS deliveries. In addition, we are pleased to be contributing to the high speed rail program being implemented in Spain, one of the most advanced in the world’.

EBI Cab 2000 ETCS automatic train protection (ATP) equipment is an onboard system designed to increase traffic capacity and safety by allowing higher speeds and shorter headways between trains. The system with its fully integrated ETCS and STMs allows a 2/3 single common driver display and facilitates the dynamic transition of national borders. Among the benefits, the advanced EBI Cab 2000 onboard system will improve safety and significantly reduce operational costs.