ERA Approves ETCS Onboard System for Traxx Universal locomotives - unlocking cross border freight operations for Czech carriers
The approval of Alstom’s onboard ETCS (European Train Control System) enables these locomotives to operate seamlessly across multiple European freight corridors.
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Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has reached a major milestone with the European Railway Agency (ERA) granting type approval for operation of the Traxx Universal locomotive equipped with EbiCab 2000 ETCS. The approved onboard system is part of Alstom’s onboard portfolio.
This version enables seamless corridor-wide operations under ETCS Baseline 3, the latest standard of the European Train Control System—a unified signalling system designed to improve safety, interoperability, and efficiency across European rail networks. Notably, it reopens operations in Austria, where ETCS-only operations are authorized on dual-equipped Class B lines. This approval marks a critical step toward ensuring full interoperability of these locomotives across international rail corridors.
"Cross-border traffic is very important for freight transport in Europe. With the fully approved version VR01.5, our customers can continue to operate locomotives on corridors in Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia. This is an important step not only for us at Alstom, but for European rail interoperability as a whole," said Dan Kurucz, Managing Director of Alstom for Czech Republic and Slovakia.
This approval represents a significant milestone for Czech freight operators such as RegioJet and ČD Cargo, who operate 388 series locomotives (388 201-231 for RegioJet and 388 001-026 for ČD Cargo). To date, 13 TRAXX locomotives for RegioJet Pool (388 219-231) have been delivered with software version VR01.5. The first six of them are in operation on the Czech rail network since November 2024 based on a test operation permit issued by the Czech State Railways. The remaining seven locomotives have now received international approval and are progressively entering service beyond the Czech Republic. Traxx Class 388 fleet operated by ČD Cargo and RegioJet, which are still equipped with the VR01.2 software version, enabling operation without ETCS, will now be gradually upgraded to the VR01.5 version. The 386 series vehicles operated by Metrans will be equipped with Onvia Cab (formerly Atlas) on-board units.
About Traxx locomotives
Traxx Universal™ locomotives offer a flexible design based on a strong, modular platform approach compatible with many applications (single or multi-country freight and passenger transport) and available in various configurations (AC, DC and multi-system). This product delivers increased operational performance and reliability with higher energy efficiency and extended maintenance intervals to improve its availability. One of the most interesting features is the possibility of equipping the locomotive with the 'Last Mile' functionality. This allows new operating concepts, such as seamless continuation from line haul traction into non-electrified lines, often used to access ports, industrial areas, or terminals. Those locomotives have been approved in 20 countries, covering a total annual distance of more than 300 million km, with more than 3,000 units sold in the 21st century.
ALSTOM™, Traxx™, Traxx Universal™ and Ebi™Cab are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.
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