ETCS (European Train Control System) is the abbreviation for the European train protection system. This system was intended to gradually replace around twenty different national signalling systems, thereby achieving interoperability in rail transport. Because of the different systems used in individual countries, it has until now been common practice to change traction vehicles at borders. In international transport, traction vehicles equipped with several national signalling systems are currently used, which is only a partial solution. Today it is assumed that ETCS will be used on high-speed lines and transit corridors and should, in the future, replace all existing national systems.

The European train protection system has two parts — trackside and onboard. At the core of the trackside part are flat devices placed in the track bed, known as balises. They transmit information about the track and the vehicle at the moment of passage. Balises are either fixed or switchable. A fixed balise, in the form of a permanent magnet, transmits constant information and is used only to describe the track. A switchable balise is connected to a trackside electronic unit, which allows the content of the transmitted information to be changed according to the situation on the track.

The onboard part is the technical ETCS equipment installed on the vehicle. All vehicles intended for the ETCS safety system must be fitted with certified onboard systems. At the heart of the entire system is a central computer, which evaluates the received data, calculates braking curves, monitors the train’s journey, and activates the brakes if needed. Another component is the JRU (Juridical Recording Unit), used to record all logged operational data. There is also a touchscreen displaying the necessary data. For the equipment to function correctly and safely, odometry is essential, providing precise measurement of speed and distance travelled.

Introducing a unified train protection system brings a whole range of benefits. Above all, it increases the safety of rail transport. It reduces the cost of maintaining and operating trackside equipment. It enables the interoperability of vehicles across European railways, removing the need to change traction vehicles at borders due to differing national systems. As a result, track capacity increases, and overall line speeds rise. Rail transport can then better compete with other modes of transport across the European continent. From the perspective of Czech conditions, there is one more benefit worth mentioning — the generational renewal of certain equipment.