ETCS (ESC) and GSM-R (RSC) compatibility tests in polish conditions

Abstract: The process of verification of the installation of the ‘on-board control-command and signalling’ subsystem is complex and requires numerous and time-consuming checks of both the overall technical documentation for a given ETCS installation on a specific vehicle, as well as checks performed during in-service tests. The experience has shown that the tests carried out in laboratories in simulated conditions and the commissioning tests of the on- board and trackside subsystems do not provide sufficient certainty in terms of the correct integration of the ‘on-board control-command and signalling’ subsystem with ‘trackside control-command and signalling’ subsystem and other subsystems. Therefore, additional tests of ETCS (European Train Control System) and GSM-R (GSM for Railways) on-board configurations with trackside ETCS and GSM-R installations on railway lines were introduced (hereinafter ESC / RSC compatibility tests). The premise of the ESC compatibility tests and RSC is to facilitate the operation of new subsystems, because their correct functioning in a given environment is fully verified at the stage of demonstrating compliance of ESC and RSC. In accordance with Polish requirements, from 1 July 2021, ESC / RSC tests are obligatory for all new, renewed and modernized projects in the field of the ‘on-board control-command and signalling’ subsystem. This obligation is a big challenge for vehicle manufacturers and users, because at that time these tests had not yet been carried out on the network managed by PKP PLK S.A. Accordingly, this article aims to introduce the issues related to the ESC and RSC tests, as well as to describe the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved. in the implementation of the tests. Keywords: ESC / RSC tests; Compatibility; ERTMS, ETCS