Beyond Infrastructure: The Real Challenges of ETCS Readiness

This event was created in direct response to operators across the UK and Europe who have committed to ETCS Level 2 but now face the challenge of making it operationally and financially viable. While much of the industry focus has been on infrastructure deployment and technology selection, this conference shifts the conversation to business and operational readiness—ensuring that ETCS is successfully integrated into daily operations, minimising disruption, and aligning stakeholders across train operators, infrastructure managers, government bodies, and unions.

You won’t just hear theoretical discussions—you’ll engage directly with UK and European operators who are already navigating ETCS implementation challenges.

• Freight operators will share how they are developing structured driver training and control room programs to ensure full readiness before ETCS activation​
• European operators will demonstrate how their modular ETCS driver training programs have accelerated workforce competency while keeping  costs under control​
• Pan European Operators will present case studies on reducing delays and maintaining safety during the transition to ETCS Level 2​

Driver training isn’t just about learning a new system—it’s about ensuring operational confidence in a world without traditional signals.

What solutions will be explored?

✅ Hear about modular simulator training that has proven effective for scaling driver competency​

✅ A best-practice panel will evaluate the ROI of simulation-based training and explore whether UK operators should invest in their own ETCS training facilities or use third-party solutions

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✅ European case studies will highlight AI and AR-driven training that accelerate ETCS readiness while reducing costs​

✅ Freight and passenger operators will share real-world ETCS deployment strategies, from rule rewrites to cost-effective simulation training​

Labor concerns must be addressed early. Some European Countries in addition to the UK have also struggled with union buy-in, yet collaborative approaches in some countries have yielded success. Learn about these and also talk to UK union reps direct in an open conversation curated by a neutral party.

What will this event deliver?

✅ A panel featuring UK and European union representatives will explore how to align ETCS deployment with workforce concerns

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✅ European case studies will showcase how collaborative discussions have avoided disputes and accelerated ETCS adoption​

✅ Practical solutions for upskilling and reskilling will be discussed to turn ETCS into a workforce opportunity, rather than a point of resistance

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For operators managing union negotiations, this session will provide direct insights from those who have successfully navigated the process.​

ETCS deployment is multi-dimensional. This event will give you the tools, insights, and industry connections to transition to ETCS with confidence.

✅ Expert-led panels on degraded mode operations, training, and technical rule rewrites will ensure you are prepared for every stage of deployment

✅ Best practice case studies from across Europe will provide insights on how to optimize costs, streamline workforce training, and align operational models

✅ Freight, passenger, and infrastructure leaders will share lessons on avoiding disruption and ensuring long-term financial viability

For operators like you, this is the most targeted ETCS event to date—helping you transition smoothly, safely, and cost-effectively.

The technical landscapeis shifting rapidly. New telecom standards such as FRMCS will fundamentally change communication systems, impacting both passenger and freight operations.

✅A technical panel on FRMCS integration will provide operators with a practical roadmap for migrating from GSM-R to FRMCS without disruption

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✅Experts from Germany and Switzerland—who are leading in FRMCS deployment—will outline the lessons UK operators can apply

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✅ Infrastructure managers will address the interoperability challenges of integrating ETCS and FRMCS to ensure seamless cross-border operations​

✅ A structured training session will provide a step-by-step breakdown of how to train drivers and control room operators for ETCS Level 2 success​

With UK operators planning new routes across Europe, ETCS compatibility must be urgently addressed.

✅ Cross-border case studies from Italy and Austria will explore how freight corridors are navigating rulebook inconsistencies

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✅ Dutch and German operators will share solutions for aligning operational rules across national networks​

✅ A panel on standardization will examine the latest modular onboard ETCS solutions that simplify multi-country compatibility​

ETCS Level 2 is no longer a future consideration—it’s a present-day imperative. 

This event equips rail operators with the insights, strategies, and real-world lessons needed to turn commitment into successful implementation. With perspectives from operators across the UK and Europe, discussions will move beyond theoretical challenges to practical, experience-backed solutions in driver training, financial planning, stakeholder alignment, and regulatory readiness. By bringing together key decision-makers, technical experts, and frontline operators, we ensure that you leave with a clear, actionable roadmap for business and operational readiness.​